With the Cannabis Act (CanG), the private cultivation of cannabis has been legalized in Germany. For adults, home cultivation for personal use is generally permitted, but only within clear legal limits. Especially regarding the number of plants, there are many inaccurate statements circulating. The crucial point is: up to three cannabis plants at a time per adult person are allowed, not a flat rate of three per apartment or household.

For cannabis enthusiasts, this is the most important starting point: Anyone who wants to grow legally at home should not only know the number of plants, but also the rules regarding age, place of residence, possession limits, storage, and the ban on transfer. This is because home cultivation is only legal if these framework conditions are also met.

Who is allowed to grow cannabis privately?

Private cultivation is permitted for adults who have had their residence or habitual abode in Germany for at least six months. Cultivation is permitted only at one's own residence or habitual abode and only for personal consumption. Thus, private homegrowing is explicitly tied to personal and local requirements.

How many plants are allowed?

The wording is particularly important here: An adult person may cultivate up to three cannabis plants at the same time. According to the Federal Ministry of Health's FAQ, this number applies per adult person in a household. This means, for example: If two eligible adults live in one household, a total of up to six plants may be permissible. Anything exceeding the respective allowed number must be destroyed immediately and completely.

What else applies to private home cultivation

Private cultivation is only permitted for personal consumption. Cannabis from private cultivation may not be passed on to third parties. Furthermore, appropriate safety precautions must be taken so that children, minors, and third parties do not have access to plants, seeds, or harvested cannabis. As an example, the Federal Ministry of Health mentions lockable cabinets or rooms. In addition, there must be no unreasonable nuisance or disturbance to the neighborhood.

Possession limits regarding homegrowing

Possession limits also apply to legal cultivation. In public spaces, every adult person may possess and carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis. At their residence, an adult person may possess up to 50 grams of dried cannabis for personal consumption. These limits are particularly relevant for home growers because the harvest at home cannot be legally stored without limit.

Seeds and cuttings – how legal acquisition is possible

For private cultivation, cannabis seeds from EU member states may be imported. According to the BMG, purchase via the internet or by distance selling as well as shipping to Germany are permitted. In addition, cultivation associations may pass on up to seven cannabis seeds or five cuttings per month to adult non-members under certain conditions; in the case of mixed transfer, the upper limit is a total of five seeds and cuttings.

Why the correct legal classification is so important

Legal home cultivation brings more self-determination, but also clear responsibility. Anyone who follows the rules can grow cannabis legally for personal use. Anyone who exceeds the quantities or passes on cannabis leaves this legal framework. The BMG expressly points out that certain violations can be administrative offenses and that criminal liability continues to exist for higher threshold violations.

FAQ – Frequent questions about the CanG and the three plants

Does the 3-plant rule apply per household?

No. The current rule applies per adult person in a household, not a flat rate per household.

May I give away my home-grown plants or the harvest?

No. Cannabis from private home cultivation is for personal consumption and may not be passed on to third parties.

May I grow more than three plants if I live alone?

No. As a single adult person, you may grow a total of up to three cannabis plants at the same time. Anything beyond that must be destroyed.

Do I have to secure my plants specifically?

Yes. Plants, seeds, and harvested cannabis must be protected against access by children, minors, and third parties. The BMG mentions lockable cabinets or rooms as a possible solution.

Can I order cannabis seeds online?

Yes. According to the BMG, cannabis seeds from EU member states may be imported for private cultivation; purchase via internet/distance selling and shipping to Germany are permitted.

How much harvested cannabis may I possess at home?

At their residence, an adult person may possess up to 50 grams of dried cannabis for personal consumption.

Conclusion

The CanG permits private cannabis cultivation in Germany, but only within a clearly limited framework. The most important point is: up to three plants per adult person, not a flat rate per household. In addition, there are clear rules regarding personal consumption, possession limits, protection against access by minors, and the ban on transfer. Those who understand these points clearly can classify private home cultivation with significantly more legal certainty.

Growing legally at home means not just knowing about three plants, but considering the entire framework of personal consumption, duty of care, and possession limits.