Dosage, consumption, driving – what is allowed & what is not
What the Cannabis Act 2024 (CanG) means in everyday life – with a focus on edibles, public consumption and driving.
Introduction: Between freedom of enjoyment and law
With the legalization of cannabis in Germany, many things have become easier – but not everything is clear. There is still a lot of uncertainty, especially regarding dosage , consumption in public , and driving after consumption . Here you can find out what you are allowed to do according to the current cannabis law (CanG 2024) , what remains prohibited, and where caution is advised.
1. Dosage – how much cannabis is allowed?
According to the new cannabis law:
- You are allowed to possess up to 25g of cannabis in public.
- Up to 50g may be kept at home.
- You are allowed to grow up to 3 female plants privately.
These amounts apply to dried flowers , not to extracts or edibles. Once cannabis is processed into a food or concentrate , it's no longer the weight that matters, but the THC content – and that's where it gets more complicated.
Guideline according to experts:
1 g of flower with 15% THC contains approximately 150 mg of pure THC .
For recreational use, edibles should contain 5–10 mg of THC per serving. Anything above that can be considered a strong dose and carries increased risks.
2. Consumption – where am I even allowed to do that?
Even though cannabis is now legal, you are not allowed to consume it everywhere.
Consumption is prohibited:
- in the immediate vicinity of schools, daycare centers, playgrounds (100 m distance)
- in pedestrian zones between 7:00 and 20:00
- in the presence of minors
- in enclosed spaces of public institutions
You are allowed to consume at home or on private property – provided no minors are present and no public disturbance occurs. The same applies to edibles: consumption itself is permitted, but distribution or sale is not.
3. Driving – the toughest limit remains
Driving remains the biggest legal risk factor associated with cannabis use. The current THC limit for driving is 1.0 ng/ml of THC in blood serum – and that is extremely low . For comparison, this limit can still be exceeded just a few hours after consumption, especially after consuming edibles.
The problem with edibles is that the effects kick in later but last much longer. Even 10 hours after eating a brownie, you can still be above the blood alcohol limit – even if you feel sober.
Legal consequences:
- From 1.0 ng/ml: €500 fine, 1 month driving ban, 2 points
- Repeat offense: up to €1,500 and MPU (medical-psychological assessment)
- In case of endangerment: criminal offense with license revocation
In short: Driving for cannabis is currently not permitted – regardless of whether it's edible, joint or vape.
4. How long is THC detectable?
This depends heavily on the type of consumption, dose, and frequency .
| Consumption style | Onset of effect | Detectable in blood | Detectable in urine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint/Vape | 1–10 min | 6–12 h | 2–5 days (occasionally) |
| Edible | 30–120 min | up to 24 hours | up to 10 days |
| regular consumption | – | up to 72 hours | up to 30 days |
5. Public Consumption & Fines
Consuming cannabis in illegal areas can result in a fine of up to €100,000 , depending on the state. Police can confiscate the substance, even if you are in possession of a legal quantity. In practice, often only a warning is issued, but the legal risk remains.
6. Work & Responsibility
Cannabis use remains a sensitive issue in the workplace. Employers are permitted to prohibit its use in safety-critical tasks (e.g., operating machinery, vehicles, or providing care) . Those working under the influence of THC risk a warning or dismissal. While THC is legal, it is not neutral under labor law.
7. Conclusion: Legal does not mean unlimited
- Owning and growing your own food: allowed.
- Public consumption: restricted.
- Driving: effectively forbidden.
Edibles, in particular, require special care because their effects are delayed and last longer . The new law allows for responsible behavior – not recklessness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much THC can I consume without experiencing problems?
There is no fixed limit – what matters is whether you are participating in road traffic or endangering minors. As a recreational guideline, stick to 5–10 mg of THC per serving.
How long after eating an edible can I drive again?
As a precaution, wait at least 24 hours . The 1.0 ng/ml threshold in blood serum is very low, and edibles also have a long duration of action.
Am I allowed to eat edibles in public, e.g. in the park?
Yes, provided you are not in a restricted zone and there are no minors nearby. Observe local restrictions (e.g., pedestrian zones 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Does driving a car the next morning still count as driving under the influence?
Yes – THC can still be detectable and legally relevant even if you feel sober.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and administrative practices are subject to change; if in doubt, consult a lawyer or the relevant authorities.
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