Frankfurt Cannabis
Laws Explained
A clear, definitive guide to Germany's partial cannabis legalisation: possession limits, home growing rules, and strict penalties under the KCanG.
The 25-Gram Rule
Adults (18 years and older) are legally permitted to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis for personal use in public spaces outside of their residence.
The 50-Gram Rule
At your domicile or habitual place of residence (requiring a stay/presence in Germany of 6+ months for specific provisions), adults may legally possess up to 50 grams of dried cannabis.
Three Plants
Eligible resident adults are permitted the private, non-commercial cultivation of up to three female flowering cannabis plants simultaneously at their home.
Exceeding the Limits: Offences & Penalties
25–30g Outside the Home
While the strictly permitted limit in public is 25g, possessing between 25g and 30g outside the home (or between 50g and 60g at home) falls under administrative provisions (Ordnungswidrigkeit) rather than an immediate criminal charge under §36 KCanG.
Result: Confiscation and a substantial administrative fine, but generally avoids a criminal record.
Larger Quantities (Criminal Offence)
Possessing more than 30g in public or more than 60g at your residence crosses the threshold into a criminal offence (Straftat).
Penalty: These violations are subject to strict criminal prosecution, resulting in heavy fines or imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record.
Selling, Sharing & Borders
Giving Cannabis to Someone Else
Allowed possession does not mean free passing. The law states that legally possessed or home-grown cannabis is for personal consumption. Handing over physical quantities to third parties is a violation of the KCanG.
Selling (Strictly Prohibited)
Commercial sale remains completely prohibited outside of specific, tightly controlled scientific pilot projects. Any general retail, dispensary, or street dealing is a serious criminal offence.
Import / Export
It is illegal to bring cannabis into Germany or take it out of Germany. You cannot import it from Amsterdam, nor fly out of Frankfurt Airport with it. International transport remains strictly prohibited under all circumstances. We treat this separately in our Airport Guide.
Minors & Personal Storage
The core principle of the KCanG is the strict protection of children and adolescents. All possession and consumption by individuals under 18 remains entirely illegal.
Mandatory Secure Storage
The law mandates that you must take active, appropriate measures to protect your cannabis, plants, and seeds from access by third parties—especially minors. This requires storing cannabis in locked containers or lockable rooms. Failure to secure your cannabis is a legal violation.
Summary Matrix
| Category / Action | Status | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Personal possession in public (Up to 25g) | Allowed | For adults 18+ outside residence. |
| Possession in public (25g to 30g) | Restricted | Administrative offence, fine & confiscation. |
| Cultivation of up to 3 plants | Depends on circumstances | Requires 6-month residency/abode. |
| Selling or Importing | Prohibited | Strictly illegal outside specific pilots. |
| Access by Minors | Prohibited | Mandatory secure storage required. |