The KCanG provides for retroactive amnesty for certain cannabis convictions. Who benefits, which proceedings were discontinued – and what does this mean in practice?
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace legal advice. The legal situation may change. As of: 2026-06-17
A historically unique aspect of the Cannabis Consumption Act is its retroactive amnesty: actions that were criminal under old law and are legal under the KCanG are being reassessed. This affects tens of thousands of people in Germany.
## What Does the Amnesty Cover?
§ 37 KCanG regulates the transitional provisions. Core principle: anyone convicted of an act that is no longer criminal under the new law has the right to have their conviction reviewed.
Running criminal proceedings for acts that are legal under the KCanG were automatically discontinued – affecting an estimated 100,000+ pending cases.
Who benefits: Those still serving prison sentences purely for possession offences in amounts that would now be legal; those with fines or probation for such offences; those with entries in the police register.
## What Was Not Amnestied?
The amnesty only covers acts that are fully legal under the KCanG. Not amnestied: possession above new limits; dealing and distribution; cultivation beyond permitted limits; driving under influence; offences against minors.
## Practical Steps for Those Affected
1. Check whether the act would be legal under the KCanG by reviewing conviction documents 2. If sentence is not yet fully served: apply for review or suspension at the competent court 3. Seek legal advice from a firm specialising in narcotics law or KCanG
About this article
Written and reviewed by the BlattWerk e.V. editorial team — licensed cultivation association in Hildesheim. Our articles are based on current legislation, scientific publications and our practical experience as a Cannabis Social Club.
Last updated: 2026-06-17 · Found an error or something missing? Let us know
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