Are children at risk from cannabis products?

Are children at risk from cannabis products? Yes. BIÖG writes that young people are far more at risk from cannabis than adults, because the young brain is in an important phase of development. The Cannabis Act (KCanG) therefore protects minors with bans and criminal provisions, and adults must protect cannabis in the household from access by children. This article shows the legal rules, the health questions and the practical steps at home.

Why children are especially protected

The young brain is in an important phase of development. According to BIÖG, THC disrupts the maturation processes in the brain, and the risk of overdose rises with cannabis that has a very high THC content. For this reason, the law gives children and young people special protection.

Responsibility for protection lies with adults.

The rules in the KCanG

Under section 5(1) KCanG, consuming cannabis in the immediate presence of persons who have not yet reached the age of 18 is prohibited. A violation is a regulatory offence (section 36(1) no. 4 KCanG), which can be punished with a fine (section 36(2) KCanG). Under section 23(1) KCanG, no one under 18 may enter the enclosed premises of a cannabis association (Anbauvereinigung).

Section 5(2) KCanG also prohibits public consumption, among other places, in schools, on children's playgrounds and in facilities for children and young people, as well as within their line of sight. Line of sight no longer applies at a distance of more than 100 metres from the entrance area.

Passing on cannabis to children is punishable

Giving away or passing on cannabis, allowing it to be consumed immediately and administering it are punishable under section 34(1) nos. 7 to 9 KCanG, with imprisonment of up to three years or a fine. For children and young people, the law also provides for a particularly serious case.

As a typical example, section 34(3) sentence 2 no. 3 KCanG names a person over 21 who gives away, allows the immediate consumption of, or administers cannabis to a child or young person. The penalty range is then three months to five years' imprisonment. How a specific case is assessed is decided by the court. For legal questions, a specialist lawyer (Fachanwalt) can help.

What counts in the household

In the household, storage decides. Under section 10 KCanG, cannabis and propagation material must be protected at the place of residence and 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 a regulatory offence (section 36(1) no. 6 KCanG). The law does not prescribe which measure is suitable; a lockable cupboard is an obvious example.

Check the storage regularly, because children grow and with time reach more.

Conversations with children

Children should know, in an age-appropriate way, that cannabis is not for them. Explain why it is more dangerous for children and young people, and state clearly what to do if a child finds something.

If children talk about cannabis, listen and react calmly.

What to do if a child has taken something

If a child has eaten, smoked or touched cannabis and shows complaints, immediate medical help is needed. In an emergency, call the emergency number 112. Do not wait if anything is conspicuous.

Even if the child was only curious, speak afterwards with a paediatrician. That way the case can be classified, and you can adjust the storage.

Help for parents

Parents do not have to cope with such situations alone. The Elterntelefon of the Nummer gegen Kummer can be reached on 0800 111 0 550. It advises free of charge and anonymously on parenting questions. You can reach the Elterntelefon of the Nummer gegen Kummer via the details on nummergegenkummer.de.

If you consume yourself and are worried about your effect on the child, you can contact the Sucht und Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031 (calls are charged, daily from 8 am to midnight).

Prevention: clear rules, open conversations

The most important protective measures are simple: secure storage, clear agreements in the household, no consumption in the presence of children and an open conversation. These steps are easy to put into practice.

Limiting access in everyday life

Check which places are reachable for children that seem hidden to adults. It helps to look at the flat once from a child's height.

Visits and parties

Guests are also part of the protection concept. If you have visitors, clarify beforehand where cannabis is and who keeps an eye on it. Where children or young people under 18 are immediately present, the consumption ban under section 5(1) KCanG applies.

Further reading: Is passive smoke from cannabis dangerous for children?, Who commits an offence when giving cannabis to minors? and How do parents protect their children from cannabis at home?

What you can do now

• Check today where cannabis is in the household, and secure it so that children have no access.
• Talk to your child about the topic in an age-appropriate way.
• If you suspect consumption or ingestion, get medical help. In an emergency, call the emergency number 112.
• For advice, you can reach the Elterntelefon on 0800 111 0 550.