New German Cannabis Law Tightens Cultivation Rules, Extends Ban on Public Consumption

The German government is tightening its Cannabis Act retroactively with a draft law that aims to prevent the establishment of commercial structures during cultivation, particularly by Anbauvereine operating plantations in the same place or building. Despite approval, smoking cannabis at train stations and platforms in Germany will still be prohibited in the future. The authorities will have more freedom in controls and greater discretion to prohibit cultivation areas if they are structurally connected to other cultivation associations.

The emergence of additional business models around cannabis cultivation is also being targeted by the draft law. Growing associations will be prohibited from commissioning a single provider to provide multiple services to prevent specialization in package solutions for cannabis cultivation. The government wants to prevent conflicts with EU law that could threaten large, commercially used plantations by giving authorities more authority to take action against rule violations.

Since April 1st, Germany has had a law for the partial legalization of cannabis, allowing possession and controlled cultivation for private use with restrictions. Consumption in public spaces is permitted to a limited extent but prohibited in the immediate presence of minors, near schools, daycare centers, and sports facilities. Despite the general release, the Deutsche Bahn (DB) prohibits smoking cannabis at train stations and platforms to protect travelers, especially children and young people.

However, consumption for medical reasons remains permitted. The adjustments to the house rules prohibiting cannabis consumption at train stations will be completed in four weeks, with the ban taking effect from June 1st. This ban does not affect the consumption of cannabis for medical reasons, which was already permitted before legalization.