May pupils under 18 possess cannabis for their own use?
No. Under the KCanG, possession of cannabis is permitted only from age 18 (section 3). For pupils under 18 there is no possession permission, not even for small amounts. In addition, public consumption is prohibited in schools and within sight of them (section 5(2) KCanG). This article explains the rules and what they mean in everyday school life.
What the law sets for minors
Section 2(1) no. 1 KCanG prohibits possession of cannabis as a basic rule. Section 3 exempts persons who have reached 18 and permits them to possess up to 25 grams. Anyone who has not yet reached 18 does not fall under this exemption. Section 3 provides no exception for small amounts.
Drugcom describes that cannabis remains prohibited for young people. When young people break the rules, drugcom says the parents are informed, and educational and counselling measures may be made mandatory.
Consumption bans around the school
Under section 5(2) KCanG, public consumption of cannabis is prohibited in schools and within their sight. This applies to all persons, not only to pupils. Sight is no longer given at a distance of more than 100 metres from the entrance area. The same ban applies to child and youth facilities, children's playgrounds and publicly accessible sports facilities. Section 5(1) also prohibits consumption in the immediate presence of persons under 18. Breaches of these consumption bans are administrative offences (section 36(1) no. 4 KCanG).
| Situation | Legal position under the KCanG | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Possession from 18 | up to 25 grams permitted | Section 3(1) KCanG |
| Possession under 18 | no permission | Section 2(1) no. 1 and section 3 KCanG |
| Public consumption in a school or within its sight | consumption ban | Section 5(2) KCanG |
| Consumption in the presence of minors | consumption ban | Section 5(1) KCanG |
What schools do when something is found
What a school does after a find is governed by its school rules and the school law of each state. The head teacher can provide information on this. The article on cannabis rules in school regulations shows typical wording.
What consequences a breach can have
Young people are subject to their own rules. Under section 12(1) of the Administrative Offences Act (OWiG), a person who has not yet reached 14 years of age does not act culpably when committing an act. A young person acts culpably only under the conditions of section 3 sentence 1 of the Juvenile Courts Act (JGG). The article on the consequences of a breach for young people explains which measures may apply in individual cases.
Health: why it is about more than rules
According to cannabispraevention.de, the risks of cannabis for young people are particularly high because THC disrupts maturation processes in the brain. Use can disrupt concentration and lead to problems in school and training. In the worst case, school or vocational qualifications are at risk, because memory works much worse.
What pupils can do
- If you are affected by a find, speak with a trusted teacher or a school social worker.
- Do not keep cannabis products in your school bag or locker, not even for friends.
- If you have questions about your own use, counselling services that work confidentially with young people can help.
- If you feel pressured to hand over or hide something, raise it early.
What parents should know
Parents are often the first contacts when something is found. A calm conversation helps more than accusations. The article on finding cannabis with your child describes the first steps. If the school gets in touch, it helps to make notes beforehand: what happened, who was involved, and what steps the school proposes. If in doubt, a counselling service can accompany you.
Prevention in school
The BIÖG provides information for young people, parents and specialists on cannabispraevention.de. More on school prevention is in the article on school prevention.
What you can do specifically
Possession is not permitted for persons under 18. Anyone who needs support should seek help early and speak with a trusted person at school or at a counselling service. The Sucht & Drogen Hotline of the BIÖG can be reached on 01806 313031.
Frequently asked questions
May a 17-year-old possess cannabis for personal use?
No. Possession is permitted under section 3 KCanG only from age 18. A 17-year-old does not have this permission, not even for small amounts. For questions about your own case, contact a counselling service or a trusted person at school.
From when may you legally possess cannabis?
From age 18. Then the limit of up to 25 grams applies. At the place of residence or habitual abode, up to 50 grams are permitted, measured by weight after drying for flowers, leaves close to the flower or other plant material. These limits apply only to adults.
What happens if a pupil is caught?
According to drugcom, when young people breach the rules, their parents are informed, and educational and counselling measures may be made mandatory. How the school responds is governed by the school regulations of the state, and the head teacher can provide information. Which further consequences apply depends on the individual case.