1. The new Cannabis Act (CanG) 2024

The new Cannabis Act (CanG) has been in effect in Germany since April 1, 2024. It permits:

• possession of up to 25g of dried cannabis for personal use,
• the private cultivation of up to 3 plants per person ,
• as well as communal cultivation in cannabis clubs .

However, the law clearly distinguishes between cannabis as a plant and food containing THC .

2. Edibles = Foodstuffs = Special rights

As soon as cannabis is incorporated into a food product (e.g., butter, brownie, gummy bears or syrup), food law also applies – in particular:

• Food and Feed Code (LFGB)
• EU Novel Food Regulation (EU 2015/2283)

That means:

• Sale or distribution of edibles containing THC: not permitted.
• Production for personal use: tolerated as long as no trade takes place.
• CBD products without THC: only permitted if approved as a novel food (currently hardly the case).

Make it yourself, yes – sell it, no.

3. THC in food – legally problematic

THC is still considered a non-marketable active ingredient in food products unless administered via an approved medicinal product .

• Medical use: permitted (on prescription).
• Recreational edibles containing THC: prohibited for sale.
• Private production: permitted within the limits of self-cultivated quantities.

A brownie made from your own plant is therefore legal – as long as it is not sold or given away .

4. Distribution & Consumption in Public Spaces

Edibles are subject to the same restrictions as flowers:

• No consumption near schools, daycare centers or playgrounds (100 m distance).
• No consumption in front of minors or in pedestrian zones between 7 am and 8 pm .
• No driving under the influence of THC – the 0.0 tolerance still applies.

Because edibles have a delayed effect , many people underestimate the duration of the impairment – ​​dangerous when driving.

5. Cannabis Clubs & Edibles

According to the law, cannabis clubs are only allowed to distribute unprocessed flowers or seeds . The production or distribution of edibles within the club is not permitted , as they are considered processed products . However, clubs are allowed to offer workshops or information events where members learn how to make edibles themselves – as long as no finished products are handed out.

6. Shipping & Online Retail

The shipping or online sale of THC-containing foods remains a criminal offense in Germany – even in small quantities. Only THC-free CBD products may be traded if they:

• Contains less than 0.3% THC,
• not be advertised as medicine or food,
• and have no intoxicating effect.

Many shops circumvent this with "aroma products" – legally risky, as authorities are increasingly scrutinizing them.

7. Edibles and driving licence

Those who consume edibles are subject to the same traffic laws as smokers. However, the effect lasts longer – the risk of still being above the limit (1 ng/ml THC in blood serum) hours later is high. Even eating just one brownie can lead to losing your driver's license if you drive the next day.

8. Outlook: Possible changes

Many experts are calling for clear regulations for edibles to prevent overdoses. In Canada and the USA, there are legal THC limits (usually 10 mg per serving) and strict packaging rules. A similar regulation could follow in Germany once the market is stable. Until then, the rule is: produce it yourself – but don't sell it.

Conclusion: Legal if you do it yourself

You are allowed to make and consume cannabis edibles for yourself – as long as they come from legally grown plants and are not shared or sold . Anything beyond that falls under the Food or Narcotics Act. DIY = allowed. Commercial = forbidden.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)