How many plants can I grow at home?

Since the CanG (April 1, 2024), adults aged 18 and over may grow a maximum of 3 live cannabis plants at the same time at home. The plants must be protected from access by minors. The harvest may be stored in the home up to 50 g.

Can I buy cannabis seeds legally?

Yes, cannabis seeds are freely available for sale as a botanical product. Since CanG, the purchase for home cultivation (3 plants) is legally unproblematic. Feminized and autoflowering seeds are available in German online stores and grow stores.

Am I allowed to pass on home-grown cannabis?

Yes, free of charge to adults up to 25 g. No sale, no consideration - otherwise it is trafficking and therefore punishable by law. Passing on to minors remains absolutely forbidden.

Can I grow cannabis on my balcony?

Yes, if the plants are not visible to minors. A privacy screen (plant protection film, opaque fence) is required by law. In rented properties, the house rules should be checked - landlords could prohibit home cultivation, although the legal enforceability is disputed.

Home cannabis cultivation: rules according to CanG

Stephan — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0000

The most important thing: Since the CanG (April 1, 2024), 3 cannabis plants are legal at home. 50 g possession allowed in the home. 25 g may be passed on free of charge. Sale, commercial cultivation and transfer to minors remain criminal offenses.

At a glance:

Legal since CanG (April 1, 2024): 3 plants at home, 50 g allowed in the home
Privacy requirement: plants must not be visible to minors
Auto-flowering varieties: ideal for beginners, no light management, harvest in 70-90 days

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

Rule	Allowed	Forbidden
Number of plants	Maximum 3 living plants at the same time	4 or more plants
Possession of the harvest	Up to 50 g of dried cannabis at home	More than 50 g in the home
Privacy screen	Plants not visible to minors (required by law)	Plants in the public viewing area where children have access
Passing on	Passing on to other adults free of charge: up to 25 g	Sale; passing on to minors
Seeds and cuttings	Buy legally (seeds are legal plant parts)	Germinating seeds in quantities that indicate trafficking

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

Legal detail: Privacy screens are required by law – the plants must not be visible to minors. On the balcony: opaque foil or fence. If you ignore this, you risk problems despite the fact that it is basically legal.

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.

More on the topic:

Cannabis quality & contaminants
Comparison of forms of consumption

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.

Cannabis prescription online? Our teleclinic comparison shows all 31 providers in direct comparison – with prices, waiting times and real reviews. Free and independent.

Home cultivation | FIV | Magazine