Germany Marijuana Laws

Germany marijuana lawsUnder the country’s Betäubungsmittelgesetz (narcotics law) of substances that cannot be prescribed and marketed, cannabis is listed in annex I beside other substances like mescaline, heroine, LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide), methoxyamphetamine, PCP (phencyclidine), and psilocybine. This means that cannabis can only be used for “scientific and other purposes of public interest” though the use of cannabis is no more illegal in Germany now.

Nabilone and dronabinol, the cannabinoids, are listed in annex III of the Betäubungsmittelgesetz of substances that can be prescribed on a special prescription for narcotics. The two cannabinoids do not possess drug approval in Germany so that health insurances are generally not allowed and obligated to pay for a treatment.

Cannabis possession, even for medical uses, is illegal in Germany. Possessing small amounts of cannabis (not more than 6-10 grams of cannabis), generally, leads to abandonment of a criminal procedure due to “low guilt” (German Narcotics Law). A second-time offender could be convicted to pay a fine, particularly when the prosecutor and judge have got the impression that the offender is a regular cannabis user. The possession of more than 7.5 grams of THC is a felony that leads to a prison sentence of not less than one year.