Home cannabis cultivation: rules according to CanG

What the CanG allows you to grow yourself

Since the Cannabis Act (CanG) came into force on April 1, 2024, adults aged 18 and over have been allowed to grow cannabis at home in Germany. This is a historic change – but with clear limits.

Home cultivation: what is allowed

Legal basis: CanG §§ at a glance

§ 9 CanG: Self-cultivation for adults: 3 plants, not publicly visible to minors.

§ 3 CanG: Possession up to 25 g in public, up to 50 g at home.

§ Section 5 CanG: Free transfer of up to 25 g between adults – only without consideration.

Important: Commercial cultivation, propagation for third parties, sale = still a criminal offense (§ 34 CanG).

Buying seeds: What is legal?

Cannabis seeds have always been legally available in Germany as collector’s items and for home cultivation – as long as they are not used for illegal trade. Dutch and Spanish seed banks are the most common sources of supply. Since CanG, the purchase for private home cultivation (3 plants) is legally uncritical.

What to look out for:
– Feminized seeds: Only female plants produce flowers (THC/CBD)
– Autoflowering: flowering according to time instead of light rhythm – easier for beginners
– THC content: For medical users often 15-20 % THC varieties; for relaxed recreational use 10-15 %

Growing basics: indoor vs. outdoor

Outdoor (balcony/garden):
– Seasonal (April-October in Germany)
– No electricity costs
– Yield of up to 100-500 g per plant possible
– Weather-dependent; risk of mold in damp autumns

Indoor (grow box):
– All year round; 2-3 harvests per year possible
– LED lighting: 200-400W for 3 plants; full-spectrum LED optimal
– Light rhythm: 18h light / 6h dark (vegetative) → 12h / 12h (flowering)
– Temperature: 20-28°C; humidity: vegetative 60-70 %, flowering 40-50 %
– CO₂: Ambient air sufficient with good air exchange

Harvesting and storage

Harvest time: Check trichomes under a magnifying glass – milky-white = peak THC; amber-colored = THC → CBN degradation begins.

Drying: 10-14 days at 18-22°C, 50-55 % humidity; hang upside down.

Curing: Glass jar, open briefly every day (burping), 2-4 weeks. Improves taste and effect considerably.

Storage: Dark, cool, airtight. No refrigerator (moisture/mold). Vacuuming optimal.

FAQ: Cannabis home cultivation according to CanG

Summary

Since CanG (April 2024), 3 plants are legal at home; 50 g possession at home, 25 g passed on free of charge. Buy seeds legally, visual protection for minors mandatory. No sale, no commercial cultivation. Indoor grow with LED: 2-3 harvests per year possible. Dry and cure harvest correctly for maximum preservation of active ingredients. Cannabis legal status Germany for full CanG details; decarboxylation for further processing of the harvest.