Germany

Overview

On April 1st, 2024, Germany made history by becoming the largest country in Europe — and one of the largest in the world — to legalize recreational cannabis. The Cannabisgesetz (CanG) decriminalized possession, allowed home cultivation, and created a Cannabis Social Club system. Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and other cities now have adults openly consuming in parks.

For tourists, the situation is a notable development with one important caveat: you can legally possess cannabis, but you cannot legally buy it. There are no dispensaries open to the general public — the sales system is still in a pilot phase restricted to residents. Understanding the rules is essential to avoid serious trouble.

Legal Status

The Three-Phase System

Germany's legalization was structured in phases:

Phase 1 — April 2024: Personal possession and cultivation legalized. Any adult can carry up to 25g in public and keep up to 50g at home. No proof of origin required.

Phase 2 — July 2024: Cannabis Social Clubs (CSC or Anbauvereinigungen) authorized. Non-profit associations with a maximum of 500 members can cultivate and distribute to members. Requires German residency (proof of address in Germany). Does not work for tourists.

Phase 3 — Commercial retail pilots (ongoing): Selected cities were approved to test regulated retail sales in licensed shops (Fachgeschäfte). Still restricted, with no national rollout. Even in these pilots, access for non-residents is limited.

For Tourists: What Is Legal

✅ You can:

• Carry up to 25g in public spaces
• Consume in outdoor areas, respecting the restrictions below
• Grow 3 plants in a fixed residence

❌ You cannot:

• Buy at any commercial establishment (no general-public stores)
• Join Cannabis Social Clubs without being a resident member
• Consume in protection zones

Where Consumption Is Prohibited

German law created protection zones where consumption is banned:

• Within 100 meters of schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, and youth sports facilities
• Pedestrian zones in city centers between 7am and 8pm
• Deutsche Bahn facilities (trains, platforms, station areas)
• In the presence of anyone under 18
• In vehicles (even parked)

Berlin in practice: Parks like Tempelhof, Tiergarten, and Görlitzer Park saw open consumption immediately after legalization. Police were instructed not to pursue possession within legal limits, but consuming in prohibited zones still results in a fine.

How to Get Cannabis in Germany (Reality in 2025)

Since there are no stores open to the public, tourists who wish to consume cannabis in Germany face a dilemma. The realistic options are:

1. Gray/informal market: Still exists and is common in large cities. Buying is illegal, but possession within limits is legal. The risk lies in the transaction, not the possession.
2. Regulated retail pilots: Some pilot cities may have stores with tourist access in advanced stages — check the latest news before traveling.
3. Knowing resident CSC members: A member may share within legal limits, but cannot sell.

Tips for Brazilian Tourists

At the airport and transit:

• Airports are federal property — consumption prohibited
• Deutsche Bahn trains: prohibited on platforms and in carriages
• Taxi/rideshare: up to the driver, not recommended

In Berlin:

• The city has Germany's largest cannabis scene
• Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain are culturally more tolerant neighborhoods
• Public parks are common consumption spots (outside restricted zones)

Understanding the law:

• Carrying between 25g and 60g in public is an administrative offense (fine)
• Carrying above 60g in public may be a criminal offense
• The origin of the product does not need to be proven for legal possession

FAQ

Can I bring cannabis from another country (e.g., Netherlands) to Germany? No. Even though possession is legal within Germany, importing cannabis is a federal crime. European borders are open, but there is random checking — and cannabis cannot legally cross international borders.

Can a Cannabis Social Club sell to me as a tourist? No. CSCs are restricted to resident members with proof of German address. Some have months-long waiting lists for approval. There is no way to join as a tourist.

Will police stop me if I have less than 25g? The official instruction is not to approach for possession within the legal limit. In practice, it depends on the context. In protection zones or prohibited spaces, police may fine you for the consumption location even if the quantity is legal.

Which cities have the retail pilots? The list of cities approved for commercial pilots is still being finalized. Check the most current news before your trip, as this may have evolved since this guide was published.

What if I'm caught consuming in a prohibited zone? It's an administrative infraction with a fine. Not imprisonment, but it goes on record. Tourists with visas should exercise extra caution.