Germany Legalizes Home Cannabis Cultivation for Adults
Germany has legalised the cultivation of cannabis for personal use, marking a significant shift in drug policy. Adult residents can now grow up to three plants at home, with strict conditions in place to protect minors and prevent distribution.
The new Cannabis Act, effective since spring 2024, allows adults to cultivate female cannabis plants for personal consumption of THC. Each person can grow up to three plants and store up to 50 grams of dried cannabis at home. Cultivation must be within the owner's living area and securely protected from access by minors.
For those who prefer not to grow their own, cultivation associations, known as 'Cannabis Social Clubs' or 'Anbauvereinigungen', offer a legal alternative. These non-profit organisations grow cannabis collectively for their members, who must be adults aged 21 and above, having lived in Germany for at least six months. Membership is limited to one club at a time, with a minimum period of three months. As of April 1, 2024, only a few hundred clubs are licensed.
The legalisation of cannabis cultivation in Germany reflects a fundamental shift in drug policy. Adults can now grow their own plants or join cultivation associations for personal use, with strict rules in place to ensure safety and prevent misuse.