How must I secure cannabis from children?

Yes, you must secure cannabis from children. Under § 10 KCanG, cannabis and propagation material must be protected at the place of residence and at the habitual abode by suitable measures and safety precautions against access by third parties, in particular children and young people. Anyone who does not do this, or does not do it properly, commits an administrative offence (§ 36 para. 1 no. 6 KCanG). This article shows practical steps that prevent access.

Why access is a risk for children

Children explore their surroundings. They grab whatever they find, and they do not always understand what something is. For this reason, cannabis should never be left lying around openly, and never next to food. The BIÖG provides recommendations for parents on its website.

Practical steps at home

• Use a lockable container that children cannot easily open.
• Choose a storage place out of children's reach, including on shelves they could climb.
• Never store cannabis in drawers or cupboards that contain food.
• Secure accessories such as grinders or papers just as you secure the substance itself.
• Do not leave the key or code for the container lying around.
• Check the storage place regularly, especially after moves or visits.

Children visiting the flat

If a child is in the flat, the ban in § 5 para. 1 KCanG applies: consumption in the direct presence of minors is prohibited. This does not change because of how the cannabis is stored. Anyone with children visiting should therefore postpone consumption to a time when they are not there. A locked cupboard does not solve this problem either.

The article May I consume in my flat when children are visiting? looks at this situation in more detail.

If a child has found cannabis

Stay calm. Secure the cannabis before you talk to the child, and explain factually why they should not touch it. Reproaches make the conversation harder. If you are unsure how to conduct the conversation, the parents' helpline of the Nummer gegen Kummer is available on 0800 111 0 550. The article What to do if you find cannabis with your child? describes the steps.

Health of children and young people

The young brain is in an important stage of development, and cannabis can affect this development. The BIÖG writes this on cannabispraevention.de. According to drugcom, starting consumption early has lasting effects on cognitive performance. For this reason, secure storage is worthwhile in every household with children.

Conversations in the family

Children understand rules more easily when the reason is explained to them. A brief explanation of what is in the cupboard and why it is there takes the tension out of the subject. Repeat the rule when the situation changes, for example when visitors come or when you move.

Places to turn to

The parents' helpline of the Nummer gegen Kummer can be reached on 0800 111 0 550. Information is available at nummergegenkummer.de. Anyone who is seeking help with their own consumption can reach the Sucht & Drogen Hotline (addiction and drugs hotline) on 01806 313031. For legal questions about a specific case, a specialist lawyer can help.

Agreeing rules together in the household

If you live with a partner, flatmates or housemates, agree on the storage place together. Only then does everyone know where the cannabis is and who has the key. Unclear responsibilities easily lead to a container being left open.

Visitors, babysitters and grandparents should also know that there is a storage place that children cannot reach. A short note is enough. A detailed explanation is usually not necessary.

Care by other people

If children are cared for regularly by grandparents, in a nursery or by a childminder, it is worth talking about safety. Carers do not need every detail. They should, however, know that there are things lying around that children must not touch. This is especially important when children play alone in the flat.

Checklist for the storage place

1. Is the container locked, and is the key or code kept somewhere children cannot find it?
2. Is the storage place out of children's reach, even when they climb on furniture?
3. Is the place away from food, medicines and cleaning products?
4. Have you checked the place since the last visit?

The checklist is a help and not a guarantee. Anyone who goes through it regularly notices gaps more quickly, for example after a move or when new furniture arrives.

Talking to children at their level

Younger children need simple sentences: this belongs to adults, and it is not something to try. Older children and young people benefit from a factual conversation about effects, risks and the reasons for the rule. It is important that the child knows whom to turn to if they have seen or tried something unusual.