This guide explains the current laws about cannabis in Germany.

No. Recreational marijuana is illegal in Germany, and also in Berlin. If the police catches you with weed, you could get in trouble.

In Berlin, cannabis is tolerated. People often smoke weed in parks, on the street, and even in some bars. If you smoke weed, people usually leave you alone. It can be different in other German states.

In 2021, a new coalition government was elected in Germany. This new government wants to legalise recreational marijuana in all of Germany. It's part of their coalition agreement. Marijuana could become legal in the next few years, but it's not guaranteed.

Yes. Medical marijuana is legal for seriously ill patients with a prescription1 since 2017. It is rarely prescribed. Only a few hundred people have a prescription1.

It depends. CBD flowers are not legal for consumers. Processed CBD products are legal if they have less than 0.2% THC1. CBD oil with less than 0.2% THC is legal1.

You can still find CBD flowers in some Spätis and head shops1, even if it's illegal.

    No. Cannabis seeds are legal if "they are not intended for unauthorized cultivation"1, and German authorities assume that you will grow cannabis1.

    You can buy cannabis seeds on the internet. Royal Queen Seeds is a popular website1. Websites like Royal Queen Seeds and Samenwahl accept payment in bitcoins.

    Many people order seeds without problems1, 2, but it's still risky. In 2021, German customs seized cannabis seeds sent by post1, 2. Sensi Seeds stopped shipping seeds to Germany because of this1, 2. The people who ordered the seeds got a letter from the police. They are not in big trouble, but they might need to hire a lawyer1.

    Can I grow my own weed?

    No.1 You can't grow your own cannabis in Germany. It's illegal.

    Can I bring weed from another country?

    No. For example, you can't buy weed in the Netherlands, and bring it to Germany. They sometimes check buses, trains and cars that come from the Netherlands1. They sometimes use dogs to detect drugs.

    It's a lot easier to buy quality weed in the Netherlands, or even in the Czech Republic, but it's risky to bring it back to Germany.

    What happens if I get caught with weed?

    If you get caught with cannabis on you, the police will take you to the police station and question you. They will take your photo and information, and they will let you go. Be polite, and do what you are told. You will be fine.

    A few weeks later, you will get a receipt for your visit at the police station. You don't need to do anything yet. At this point, your case is still open. Later, you will either receive a letter with legal instructions, or a letter that says that there is no trouble.

    In Berlin, less than 10 to 15 grams is considered a "small amount"1, 2, and the police can choose to let you go without consequences1. Most of the time, that's what will happen, but it's not guaranteed. If you are caught with more than a small amount, they must do something, and you will get in trouble.

    Where can I buy weed in Berlin?

    Where to buy weed in Berlin ➞