Do the same age limits apply to cannabis and alcohol?

No. Cannabis and alcohol do not have a shared age limit. Under section 3 KCanG, only people who have turned 18 may possess cannabis. For alcohol, section 9 of the Youth Protection Act (JuSchG) applies: beer, wine and sparkling wine may not be supplied to anyone under 16, and other alcoholic drinks may not be supplied to children and young people.

What the KCanG sets for cannabis

The limit for cannabis is in section 3 KCanG. Persons aged 18 and over may possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use. At their place of residence or habitual abode, up to 50 grams and up to three living plants are permitted. For flowers, leaves close to the flower and other plant material, the weight after drying applies, and the total quantity possessed may not exceed 50 grams. Anyone under 18 does not fall under this permission.

The KCanG also sets consumption bans. Under section 5(1), consumption is prohibited in the immediate presence of persons under 18. Under section 5(2), public consumption is prohibited in schools, on children's playgrounds, in child and youth facilities and in publicly accessible sports facilities, as well as within sight of these places. It is also prohibited in pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

What the Youth Protection Act sets for alcohol

Section 9 JuSchG distinguishes by drink:

Drink	Rule	Reference
Beer, wine, wine-like drinks, sparkling wine and mixes with non-alcoholic drinks	Not supplied to children and young people under 16. This does not apply if young people are accompanied by a person with parental responsibility.	Section 9(1) no. 1 and (2) JuSchG
Other alcoholic drinks and foods with a more than negligible alcohol content	Not supplied to children and young people.	Section 9(1) no. 2 JuSchG

The age tiers therefore differ from the 18-year limit in the KCanG. A comparison only works if you put the rules of both laws side by side.

The difference in road traffic

Road traffic has its own limits:

Substance	Limit in road traffic	Legal basis
Alcohol	0.5 per mille or more in the blood	Section 24a(1) StVG
THC	3.5 ng/ml or more in the blood serum	Section 24a(1a) StVG

Anyone with 3.5 ng/ml or more of THC in the blood serum who also consumes an alcoholic drink, or makes the journey under the influence of an alcoholic drink, commits an administrative offence under section 24a(2a) StVG. The fine range is then higher than in the cases of subsections (1) and (1a) (section 24a(3) StVG). For a fine under section 24a(1) to (2a) StVG, a driving ban must generally also be imposed (section 25(1) StVG).

Health: why age matters

The BIÖG describes on cannabispraevention.de that the risks of cannabis for young people are particularly high, because THC disrupts maturation processes in the brain. In the worst case, school or vocational qualifications are at risk, because memory works much less well. Drugcom also points out that starting use early can result in lasting impairment of cognitive performance.

Mixed use of cannabis and alcohol

cannabispraevention.de describes that cannabis and alcohol together place a heavy strain on the circulation and often cause nausea and vomiting. Mixed use is regarded there as particularly dangerous, even when the substances are used at a time interval and their effects overlap. More on this is in the article What happens when cannabis and alcohol are used together?

Where the comparison reaches its limits

A comparison of age limits does not tell the whole story. Anyone who says one substance is harmless because the other is allowed confuses permission with safety. An age limit sets out when the state allows something. It does not answer whether it is good for a person. Permission, prohibition and health are three different levels that should be considered separately.

What parents and young people take from this

• Under 18, no cannabis, not even briefly or with friends.
• Do not combine alcohol and cannabis, not even at a party.
• Do not drive after using, even if you feel fit.
• Do not use in the presence of younger people, not even at home.
• If you are worried, start the conversation early, before it becomes a conflict.

For parents, it also helps to explain the reasons for a rule, as those who explain their reasons are more likely to stay in conversation.

Where to turn

Anyone with questions about use and age limits can find confidential help at addiction counselling services. The Sucht & Drogen Hotline of the BIÖG can be reached on 01806 313031. Youth counselling centres and a family doctor are also good first points of contact. Also look at the overview of the KCanG to see which rules apply to you, and at the possession limits from age 18 to see how much is allowed.