Where do youth counseling services advise on cannabis use?

Youth counseling services advise young people on cannabis use, on worries in their surroundings, and on questions about school, training and family. You can find out how to get in touch on the website of each service. Where exactly such services are located depends on your region. The DHS addiction help directory and municipal services can help you search.

Who counts as a young person

For many services, age matters. Minors are everyone under 18. For people aged 18 to under 21, the Juvenile Courts Act (JGG) uses the term young adults (Heranwachsende). The corresponding definition is in section 1(2) of the JGG, which the Cannabis Act (KCanG) also refers to.

Not every service applies the same age limit. Ask before your appointment who the service is for.

How youth counseling differs from adult counseling

Youth counseling and adult counseling differ by provider in target group, age limit and focus. Ask the service whether it involves school, the training employer or family, and whether that happens only with your consent.

What matters is that the service fits your situation. If you are unsure, you can call and ask whether the service will advise you or refer you on.

Typical reasons for a conversation

Young people come for very different reasons. Often a problem at school comes first, such as falling grades or absences. Others notice that their use is changing their friendships or their training plans. Some are worried because friends use a lot, and they want to know how they can protect themselves.

• You notice that cannabis affects your school, training or work.
• You want to check your use before it becomes a habit.
• You have mood swings or fears that you want to make sense of.
• You are worried about a friend.

Parents and teachers can also ask whether a service advises them. If you are a minor and the conversation with your parents is difficult, raise this openly in the counseling session.

School and training as a point of contact

Many schools have school social work or designated trusted teachers. They can hold first conversations and refer you to a suitable service. This is especially helpful if you do not feel able to take a first step alone. The article Who helps students with cannabis problems at school? shows which routes are open to you.

Training employers sometimes have contact people too, for example in human resources or in the youth and trainee representation (Jugend- und Auszubildendenvertretung). What matters is that you can contact a specialist service confidentially if you want to.

Knowing the legal limits

The KCanG gives particular protection to children and young people. Adults may possess cannabis only within the limits set by law (section 3 KCanG). Possession is not permitted for minors, and passing cannabis on to minors is a criminal offense (section 34 KCanG). A detailed overview is in the article What does the KCanG say about youth protection?

If you are a young adult with questions about possession or use, counseling can help you make sense of the rules. Cases involving possible penalties need legal advice from a lawyer who specializes in this area. The counseling service can tell you where to find one.

How parents are involved in counseling

Many young people wonder whether their parents will find out about the conversation. The answer depends on age, the situation and the service. Ask before the conversation what stays confidential and in which cases exceptions apply.

If parents are worried, they can use counseling themselves. Ask whether the service also advises parents. That way you can discuss how to talk about cannabis in the family.

It is important that you are consulted before parents are involved. Raise your concerns and ask the specialist to explain the process to you. That way you keep control over the information you share.

What you can do now

1. Look for a youth counseling service near you, for example through addiction help directories or municipal services.
2. Ask about the age limit and whether counseling is also available online or by phone.
3. Bring your own questions and speak openly about your situation.
4. Bring a person you trust if that makes it easier to start.

Young people do not have to face cannabis questions alone. Youth counseling helps you assess your own use honestly and plan the next step. More information is in the section Help and counseling.