Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Germany law
Cannabis laws in Koln follow Germany’s national law. Local cities generally do not set separate marijuana rules, so penalties are determined at the jurisdiction level.
Recreational cannabis is legal for adults aged 18 and older, with limits on possession (25 grams in public, 50 grams at home) and personal cultivation (up to three plants). Medical cannabis is also legally available. Exceeding legal limits or public consumption in restricted areas can result in penalties.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Legal for adults 18+
- Medical: Available
- Possession: Legal within limits for adults
- Buying/Selling: Legal via cannabis social clubs (residency required) and home cultivation
- Tourists: Possession legal, but legal purchase requires residency
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Legislative History
Germany fully legalized recreational cannabis for adults 18+ in 2024 through the Cannabis Act (CanG). The law permits possession of up to 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home, personal cultivation of up to three plants, and non-commercial distribution via cannabis social clubs (with residency requirements). Medical cannabis has been available since 2017 via prescription, initially expanded from earlier limited programs.
Law Enforcement
Police drove past, stopped for a look, then kept going. I wouldn’t push my luck. The newer Marijuana Laws section covers Germany’s later changes for limited adult possession and use.
Where to Buy Marijuana
I’m Australian and had been traveling for a while, with decent luck finding smoke. Cologne didn’t strike me as a big tourist town apart from the cathedral. I got laughed at asking around there and at the main station. Don’t assume spikes and a black T-shirt mean anything. “You can buy that shit at Kmart.”
A man asking for change at the cathedral gave me a lead for 20 cents. From Köln Hauptbahnhof by the cathedral it was two underground stops to Ebertplatz.
Outside was a square with an ugly sculpture and people drinking beer: locals, unhoused people, old folks, Serbs and tourists. Younger beer drinkers knew a hash contact who was usually around from one to six. He might know someone with hydro a train ride away. At weekends, there were other people to ask on the cathedral steps.
English wasn’t universal. A little German helped, and I’d been asked if I spoke Spanish in Italy, Germany, England and Finland. Being Australian seemed to go down better with the people we met than being British or American. “Sorry guys, you have a bad rep!”
Marijuana Prices
Four grams for €20 was a great bargain. Around €5 per gram of hash if they liked you, or €7–10 if they wanted to make more. Indoor was harder to find and dearer, especially in winter.
I was told to ask around the station in Bonn for better hash and other stuff. It was about 45 minutes by bus or train. We didn’t try it.
Types of Marijuana
Hash was the easy option. For hydro, the quotes I heard were €15 a gram or €50 for ten.
More Information
Respect the locals, try a little German and don’t be loud or arrogant. Walk away if they’re not interested. Don’t tell them what you pay at home if it’s more than they’re asking.