Cannabis and Travel: Train, Flight and EU Abroad

Cannabis is legal in Germany under certain conditions – but once you start travelling, new legal questions arise quickly. What rules apply on public transport? Can you carry cannabis on a train? And what happens when crossing into EU countries?

## Train Travel: Cannabis on Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn is a private company with its own house rules. Cannabis consumption on trains and at stations is generally prohibited – similar to smoking in enclosed areas. However, possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis on a train is not per se illegal, as long as you are an adult and comply with legal limits.

That said, many train stations fall within local protection zones. Many stations are located in pedestrian zones or near schools and youth centres where extended consumption bans under § 5 KCanG may apply. For transport: cannabis should be stored in a container to prevent odour bothering other passengers. Odour-proof packaging is not only a matter of courtesy but also avoids unnecessary attention.

## At the Airport: Special Federal Jurisdiction

Airports are complicated territory. Technically, the KCanG applies at airports – anyone standing in the arrivals area or the public part of the airport is subject to German law. However, once you pass security and are in the departure area (airside), additional rules apply.

Domestic flights: Even on a purely domestic German flight, cannabis in carry-on or checked luggage is problematic. The Federal Police, responsible for airport security, has an interest in discovering substances that might be assessed differently in other federal states. While cannabis is legal nationwide, the atmosphere at airports is traditionally conservative. We generally advise against taking cannabis on domestic flights.

International flights: Anyone flying abroad is leaving German territory. Carrying cannabis on an international flight – even to a country that tolerates cannabis – constitutes a potential export upon departure from Germany, which is criminal under the KCanG. At the destination, local law also applies. Cannabis must never be taken on international flights.

## Crossing EU Borders: A Table of Differences

The EU has no unified cannabis policy. Each member state regulates cannabis independently. Taking cannabis across an EU border – even to a more tolerant country – constitutes export from Germany and usually import into the destination country. Both acts can be criminal offences.

Netherlands: Despite the well-known coffeeshop culture, cannabis is technically still prohibited there too. Possession of up to 5 grams is tolerated in practice, but import from Germany is criminal.

Austria: Since 2022, private cultivation of up to two plants has been decriminalised, but possession remains generally prohibited. Taking cannabis from Germany: clearly criminal.

Switzerland: Not an EU member but a frequent travel destination. Switzerland allows CBD cannabis (under 1% THC) and has decriminalised possession of small amounts, but THC cannabis remains prohibited. Border controls are regular.

France: One of the strictest cannabis policies in Europe. Possession is criminal and consistently prosecuted despite occasional reform discussions.

Czech Republic: Gradual legalisation underway since 2024. Current legal situation: possession of small amounts is decriminalised, but import from Germany is criminal.

## Practical Recommendations

Basic rule: Cannabis stays at home. It does not belong in a suitcase for trips abroad.

For domestic travel: when travelling by train or car within Germany, you may legally transport up to 25 grams (in public) – but you generally cannot consume it (train stations, trains, vehicles in use all fall under various consumption bans).

Anyone needing medical cannabis while travelling can apply for an exemption from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) under certain conditions – this is, however, an elaborate process primarily relevant for patients.