No weed smoking for tourists in Germany
The network of European Consumer Centres ECC-net warns travellers to Germany who appreciate the intoxicating effects of cannabis: The consumption of cannabis remains illegal for them.
Contrary to some misleading headlines, tourists in Germany cannot legally smoke joints or ingest cannabis in any other way. The legal team at the German ECC has thoroughly scrutinised the law and confirmed that the new law texts still do not allow cannabis consumption for non-residents. Despite the latest liberal amendment, nothing has changed for this group of people.
Key points of the new regulation
- German residents aged 18 and over may carry a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis in public
- Since 1 April, they have been allowed to grow up to three plants per adult household member
- Since 1 July, they have also been able to join cannabis social clubs in order to obtain limited quantities of cannabis
Reisende und kürzlich Angekommene
The law does not differentiate according to nationality. Nevertheless, these permits are strictly limited to persons who have been registered at a German place of residence for at least six months. This therefore automatically excludes circumstances such as tourism, commencement of studies, etc. with a short presence.
Accordingly, there is no legal way for such persons to buy, possess or consume cannabis in Germany. Any attempt to obtain cannabis remains illegal. Offences can result in fines or prison sentences. Guests should adhere to these regulations to avoid legal problems.
Consumption also restricted for residents
The use of cannabis also remains restricted for German residents. The law has not legalised cannabis smoking, but only partially decriminalised it for the time being. German legislation has laid down various strict rules to protect non-consumers and children. For example, consumption is prohibited within a 100-metre radius of schools, kindergartens, playgrounds and other facilities frequented by minors. The same applies to pedestrianised areas during daylight hours.
Detailed explanations of what and to what extent the use of cannabis is permitted can be found in the (German language) FAQs of the German Ministry of Health.
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