Where can you smoke weed in Berlin – and where not?
Since April 2024, cannabis use has been legal for adults in Germany. But there are still plenty of places in Berlin where it's banned. Here are the rules, with everyday examples.
The basic rule
Adults aged 18+ may use cannabis in Berlin, as everywhere in Germany. But the Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG) lists places and situations where use is banned:
- in the direct presence of anyone under 18,
- within sight of schools, children's and youth facilities, playgrounds and publicly accessible sports facilities,
- in pedestrian zones between 7 am and 8 pm,
- in cannabis clubs and within sight of them.
On top of that come house rules, non-smoking laws and the rights of landlords, employers, bars and clubs.
The 100-metre rule, properly explained
Many people think smoking is banned within a 100 m radius of schools or playgrounds. Strictly speaking, the law bans use within sight. You count as out of sight once you're more than 100 metres from the entrance.
- More than 100 m away: the ban doesn't apply.
- Less than 100 m, but no line of sight (e.g. behind a building): this can be legal, but it's hard to judge and easily leads to arguments.
- Less than 100 m with a view of the entrance: banned.
In a dense city like Berlin, schools, nurseries, playgrounds and sports grounds are often close together. To be safe, keep a generous distance. Unofficial online maps can help you get your bearings, but they aren't legally binding.
Common places checked
| Place | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Your own flat | Yes. Mind any children in the household and be considerate of neighbours. |
| Balcony | Generally yes, but smoke that seriously bothers neighbours can cause trouble with your tenancy. |
| Parks and green spaces | Often yes, except within sight of playgrounds and sports facilities, which many Berlin parks have. |
| Pedestrian zones | Only between 8 pm and 7 am. |
| Bars, clubs, restaurants | Only if the venue allows it. Many ban cannabis under their house rules, and non-smoking laws apply too. |
| Buses, trains, stations | Smoking is already banned in vehicles and stations; transport operators' house rules may also prohibit use. |
| Workplace | Employers can ban use and working under the influence. |
| Car (even parked, in the driver's seat) | Not a good idea: the THC driving limit applies. See cannabis and driving. |
What happens if you break the rules?
Using cannabis in a no-use zone is an administrative offence. The law allows fines of up to €30,000; the actual amounts are set by the federal states and depend on the case. Using in front of children is taken particularly seriously.
Practical tips
- Be considerate: even where it's allowed, smoke bothers others. Keep away from families, play areas and entrances.
- Don't show off: using isn't advertising, and German law bans advertising cannabis.
- Check the amount: you can carry a maximum of 25 grams.
- Don't drive: not even a bike or e-scooter.
- Visitors: there are no legal coffee shops in Berlin, and tourists can't join cannabis clubs. More for visitors.
All the rules in one place: Cannabis law in Berlin. Not sure about a particular spot? Ask in our community.
Sources
Questions? Talk to people in Berlin.
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