Section 5 KCanG · Consumption ban
Germany's cannabis no-consumption zones
Germany's Cannabis Act (Konsumcannabisgesetz, KCanG) took effect on April 1, 2024 and decriminalizes cannabis consumption. A core element of the law are so-called "Verbotszonen" – no-consumption zones defined in Section 5 KCanG. These zones regulate cannabis consumption near minors and in sensitive public areas: get it wrong and you risk a fine.
The Verbotszonen App keeps you on the right side of the law. It visualizes every no-consumption zone from the Cannabis Act on a map and shows you restricted areas nearby – an essential tool for staying compliant. Perfect for locals and visitors alike, it offers reliable guidance through Germany's cannabis rules.
Preview from the app
Cannabis zone map
Use our map to find the exact locations where cannabis consumption is legally restricted – right in your browser, no install needed. It is only a small preview though: the Verbotszonen App does much more and shows you live, on the go, which no-consumption zones are near you. Whether you live here or you're visiting – this is how you move through Germany's cannabis zones safely.
- School
- Kindergarten
- Daycare center
- Playground
- Sports facility
- Other
This map is just the preview – get the full feature set for free in the app.
Your city
Cannabis no-consumption zones in your city
The no-consumption zones differ from city to city – find the map (Bubatzkarte) with every zone for Germany's biggest cities here.
The letter of the law
What the Cannabis Act says
Section 5 – Consumption ban
(1) The consumption of cannabis in the immediate presence of persons under the age of 18 is prohibited.
(2) The public consumption of cannabis is prohibited
- in schools and within sight of them,
- on children's playgrounds and within sight of them,
- in children's and youth facilities and within sight of them,
- in publicly accessible sports facilities and within sight of them,
- in pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and
- within the enclosed property of cultivation associations and within sight of it.
Within the meaning of sentence 1, an area no longer counts as "within sight" at a distance of more than 100 meters from the entrance of the facilities listed in sentence 1 numbers 1 to 4 and 6.
(3) The consumption of cannabis is prohibited in military areas of the German Armed Forces.
Non-binding translation. Only the official German text of the law (as of April 1, 2024) is legally authoritative.
Section 5 (1) KCanG
Protecting minors
A central element of the law is the strict ban on consuming cannabis in the immediate presence of anyone under 18. The provision protects children and young people from the potential negative effects of cannabis consumption. It reflects the scientific evidence on the risks cannabis poses to adolescent development and aims to keep their environment safe and healthy.
Section 5 (2) nos. 1–4, 6 KCanG
Public areas and no-consumption zones
The law bans public cannabis consumption in several sensitive areas: schools, children's playgrounds, children's and youth facilities, and publicly accessible sports grounds. What makes the rule special is its spatial dimension: a 100-meter radius around each entrance creates a protective zone around children and young people. These zones ensure that schools and similar facilities remain places free of drug consumption.
Section 5 (2) no. 5 KCanG
Time-based ban in pedestrian zones
This rule limits cannabis consumption at times and places with heavy foot traffic and a strong presence of families, workers and the general public. The window from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. covers most daylight and main business hours – meaning consumption is off-limits exactly when most people are out and about. At night, pedestrian zones are generally fine.
Common questions
Questions about the consumption ban
Where is cannabis consumption banned in Germany?
Under Section 5 of the German Cannabis Act (KCanG), public cannabis consumption is banned within sight of schools, children's playgrounds, children's and youth facilities, and publicly accessible sports grounds. It is also banned in pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., on the enclosed property of cultivation associations, and in military areas. Consuming in the immediate presence of anyone under 18 is prohibited everywhere.
How big is a cannabis no-consumption zone?
A zone extends up to 100 meters from the entrance of the facility in question. Beyond 100 meters, the law no longer considers you "within sight", so consumption is allowed there.
Can you smoke weed in pedestrian zones?
In pedestrian zones, cannabis consumption is banned between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Outside those hours – in the evening and at night – consumption is generally allowed, as long as no other zone (say, a school within sight) applies.
Does the ban apply near minors?
Yes. Consuming cannabis in the immediate presence of anyone under 18 is prohibited under Section 5 (1) KCanG – regardless of whether you are inside one of the location-based zones.
How do I find the no-consumption zones in my city?
With the free Verbotszonen App and the interactive zone map you can see every no-consumption zone from the Cannabis Act directly on a map. The facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. The app is free for Android and iOS.
Do I have to measure my distance to schools and playgrounds?
No. Rule of thumb: more than 100 meters as the crow flies from the entrance and you are always safe. Within 100 meters, actual line of sight matters – if a building block stands between you and the entrance, consumption can be permissible there too. When in doubt, keep 100 meters of distance.
Can I consume cannabis on my own balcony or in my garden?
Generally yes. Under German tenancy law, cannabis consumption is treated like cigarette smoking and counts as ordinary use of your home – including balcony and terrace. A blanket ban in a standard lease is usually invalid, though individually negotiated clauses can apply. Neighbors must tolerate occasional consumption; persistent, substantial nuisance can lead to time restrictions or, in extreme cases, termination.