Home Growing: Rules, Limits and Practical Guidance

Since 1 April 2024, private cannabis cultivation has been legal in Germany under defined conditions. The KCanG permits adults aged 18 and over to grow up to three flowering cannabis plants simultaneously. While this sounds straightforward, there are several important details, restrictions and grey areas every home grower should understand.

## The Three-Plant Rule

Only flowering female plants count toward the three-plant limit. Seedlings and vegetatively growing plants are not included in this count, though growing an obviously large number of juvenile plants may attract scrutiny from authorities who might interpret this as preparation for commercial cultivation.

The limit applies per person, not per household. Two adults living together may theoretically maintain six flowering plants combined, provided each person's plants can be clearly identified as theirs.

## Permitted Locations

Home cultivation is permitted inside the residence (rooms, grow tents, basement), on private balconies and terraces, and in private gardens. Allotment gardens in shared associations may be problematic due to their semi-public character. Communal areas of apartment buildings are not permitted.

## Security Obligations

Growers must take appropriate measures to prevent minors from accessing the plants. Locked rooms, secured grow tents and fenced garden areas satisfy this requirement. The obligation applies regardless of whether children actually live in the household.

## Seeds and Cuttings

Seeds may be ordered from other EU member states where they are legally sold, or obtained from a licensed cultivation association. Unlicensed domestic seed sales exist in a legal grey zone. Sharing seeds or cuttings between private individuals is prohibited, even without payment.

## Harvest Limits and Storage

The harvest may only be used for personal consumption. Total home possession must not exceed 50 grams of dried cannabis. Excess harvest must be destroyed, not redistributed.

## Tenancy Law

Legal home cultivation does not automatically oblige landlords to permit it. Explicit contractual prohibitions are enforceable. Even without such clauses, significant odour nuisance or structural damage (mould, moisture) can provide grounds for landlord intervention. Tenants are advised to review their lease and, ideally, communicate openly with their landlord before beginning cultivation.