May supervisors use cannabis on youth camps?
Supervisors may not consume cannabis at youth camps in the immediate presence of minors. Under section 5(1) KCanG, consumption in the immediate presence of persons under 18 is prohibited, and a breach is an administrative offence (section 36(1) no. 4 KCanG). Young people are usually present on a youth camp. Anyone responsible for children and young people should therefore avoid consumption for the whole duration of the activity.
The consumption ban in the presence of minors
The law forbids consumption in the immediate presence of persons under 18. What matters is therefore whether the minor is present, whatever role the person has. A supervisor working with the group and a participant sitting with her at the table are in the same situation.
How close someone has to be for it to count as immediate presence depends on the individual case. Courts decide in individual cases, and a specialist lawyer can help classify it. For supervisors, it is worth not asking the question at all and ruling out consumption during the activity.
What applies outside the programme
Many supervisors wonder whether consumption in the evening in their own room is permitted. The rule focuses on immediate presence, and the ban in section 5(1) KCanG is linked to it. Whether a specific situation falls under it is assessed case by case.
Public space also needs consideration. On a camp, the route often runs through towns. Under section 5(2) KCanG, public consumption is prohibited in schools and within their sight. Child and youth facilities, children's playgrounds, publicly accessible sports facilities and pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. are added to this. Supervisors should factor these places into their planning.
Possession and supply
Possession of cannabis is permitted under section 3(1) KCanG for persons aged 18 and over, up to 25 grams. Cannabis and propagation material must be protected under section 10 KCanG at the place of residence and habitual abode from access by third parties, especially children and young people. Anyone who takes cannabis along to a camp should therefore make sure that participants cannot reach it.
Supplying cannabis is a criminal offence under section 34(1) no. 7 KCanG, punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine. Anyone over 21 who supplies cannabis to a child or young person, hands it over for immediate consumption or administers it usually commits a particularly serious case, punishable by imprisonment of three months to five years (section 34(3) KCanG). The article on the criminal liability for supplying explains the details.
What providers should set out in the agreement
A provider can set out in its requirements how supervisors handle cannabis. This covers travel, accommodation and the time after the programme. A written agreement helps avoid misunderstandings.
The agreement should record that supervisors do not use cannabis during the activity, who is informed in case of suspicion and how incidents are handled. The agreement adds to the statutory rules.
When suspicion arises
If you suspect that a supervisor is consuming cannabis, first talk to them. Note what you observed and inform the management of the provider. In acute health problems, call the emergency number. A doctor will assess what help is needed.
How the provider involves parents is for it to decide. The privacy of those involved should remain protected.
Prevention during leisure time
A ban is easier to understand when it is explained. 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.
The prevention website cannabispraevention.de offers information for young people and parents.
What you can do as a provider
- Set out in writing that no consumption takes place during the activity.
- Make clear to all supervisors whom they should contact in case of suspicion.
- Inform parents before the camp about the rules and how incidents are handled.
- Include conversations about cannabis in the programme alongside the rules.
The basic rules for protecting children are summarised in the article on the duties of adults. For the question of whether minors are present in the household, read the article Can you use cannabis at home when children live in the household?
Frequently asked questions
May a supervisor use cannabis during a youth camp?
Under section 5(1) KCanG, consumption in the immediate presence of persons under 18 is prohibited. Minors are usually present on a camp, so consumption should be avoided for the entire activity. The provider sets out the rules in a written agreement.
Does the consumption ban also apply in the evening in your own room?
The ban is tied to immediate presence. Whether a situation falls under it is assessed case by case. Courts decide in individual cases, and a specialist lawyer can help classify it.
Who should be contacted if there is a suspicion of consumption?
First the management of the provider, which documents the incident and sets the next steps. In acute health problems, call the emergency number. If a criminal offence is suspected, such as supplying minors, the police are the right contact.