The German Cannabis Act is at the centre of political debate in 2026. To know what applies, separate two levels: the Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG, Konsumcannabisgesetz) in force and the proposals under discussion. This guide sorts both and shows where to check the current status.
Short answer: The Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG) is in force. The federal government has been evaluating it since autumn 2025, and the CDU has announced changes. According to the available reports, no change has been adopted so far. Which changes come and when is open. The binding text is on gesetze-im-internet.de. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- The KCanG is current law and allows adults certain quantities for personal use.
- The federal government is evaluating the law, and according to reports the evaluation has run since autumn 2025.
- According to reports, the CDU has announced changes to the law.
- A motion at the SPD state party conference in Berlin concerns a reform of the Medicinal Cannabis Act (MedCanG) and the KCanG.
- Announced is not the same as adopted, so the statutory text is what counts.
What is settled: the Consumer Cannabis Act in force
The KCanG governs cannabis for adults. For possession for personal use, section 3 subsection 1 sets a limit of 25 grams. At the place of residence or habitual abode, higher limits apply under section 3 subsection 2. A separate guide covers possession in detail (in German).
| Rule | Content | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Possession for personal use | Up to 25 grams | Section 3(1) KCanG |
| Possession at home | Up to 50 grams and up to three living plants | Section 3(2) KCanG |
| Total amount at home | No more than 50 grams in total | Section 3(2) sentence 2 KCanG |
A law does not change automatically just because a debate is running. A change requires a legislative procedure that ends with decisions in the Bundestag and, where required, the Bundesrat. A law adopted becomes effective upon promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette (Bundesgesetzblatt), unless it sets a different date.
What is planned? Evaluation and political proposals
The federal government has announced a comprehensive evaluation of the Cannabis Act. According to reports, the evaluation has been running since autumn 2025. An evaluation examines what effects a law has had. It does not automatically lead to changes, but it forms the basis for possible decisions.
In parallel, the CDU reportedly calls for changes to the law. A motion at the SPD state party conference in Berlin concerns a reform of the MedCanG and the KCanG. A party conference motion expresses the party position and is not a law, even though it shows the political direction.
What has been adopted, and what is only under discussion?
| Item | Status | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| KCanG | In force | Current law, text on gesetze-im-internet.de |
| Evaluation of the KCanG | Running since autumn 2025 | Results and consequences open |
| CDU proposals for changes | Announced | Not yet adopted |
| SPD state party conference motion, Berlin | Party conference motion | Party position, not a law |
Why evaluation and legal change are not the same
An evaluation describes what has happened. A law adopted determines what applies in future. Between the two often lie months in which the situation can shift. Anyone making a decision today should therefore rely on the current law rather than on the expectation that it will change.
For students this matters in practice, because possession, consumption and driving must be considered separately. The Cannabis Act alone does not answer every question, for example on driving licences. Separate guides cover these topics (in German).
How do you check the current status?
The statutory text always governs. You find the wording of the KCanG on gesetze-im-internet.de. Parliamentary proposals appear in the Bundestag printed matter (Drucksachen) and in its documentation system. Press reports are starting points, but not a legal basis.
With every report, check the date and the stage of the procedure. A law typically passes several steps, from announcement through draft to decision and promulgation.
- Announcement or demand by a party or ministry
- Draft introduced into the Bundestag
- Decision of the Bundestag and, where required, the Bundesrat
- Promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette and entry into force
What this means for students
For students the question often concerns possession, consumption in public and everyday life on campus. The possession limits are set in the law, and consumption bans in certain areas can apply in addition. If you are unsure, check the concrete rule in the text.
Membership of cultivation associations and the link between cannabis and driving licences are separate topics. The guides on these subjects explain the steps in detail (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Is cannabis legal in Germany?
For adults, the KCanG allows certain quantities for personal use and home cultivation within limits. Possession is not unlimited. The exact limits are in the guide on the possession limit for students.
Will the law be abolished in 2026?
According to the available reports, abolition has not been adopted. The political debate concerns changes to the law. Anyone claiming abolition should be able to name a concrete decision of the legislature.
Does a change apply as soon as it is announced?
No. An announcement, a motion or a draft does not yet change the legal position. What matters is the entry into force set out in the adopted law, which begins after promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette.
What about medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is not covered by the KCanG. It is regulated in the Medicinal Cannabis Act (MedCanG). The debate on it partly runs in parallel and should be considered separately.
Who helps with a specific case?
For specific questions about possession or ongoing proceedings, a legal adviser can help. General information does not replace advice in an individual case.
What to do now
- Read the text of the KCanG on gesetze-im-internet.de before you rely on a rule.
- Check with every report whether it concerns a motion, a draft or a decision.
- Follow the evaluation through the responsible ministries and the Bundestag printed matter.
- Plan your decisions under current law, not under announcements.
Related guides
- Health system reform: ePA, e-prescription, doctor visits and sick notes (hub, in German)
- Cannabis possession limit for students
- Cannabis evaluation: what the results so far show (in German)
- Cannabis clubs: membership and registration (in German)
- Cannabis and driving licence: what students should know (in German)
Sources: Consumer Cannabis Act section 3 (gesetze-im-internet.de, in German, retrieved November 2026) | Verkehrsrundschau report on the evaluation (in German) | Leinetal24 report on the CDU plans (in German)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
