How must cannabis plants be secured from young people?

Cannabis and propagation material such as seeds and cuttings must be protected at the place of residence and habitual residence by suitable measures and safety precautions against access by third parties, in particular children and young people (section 10 KCanG). The law does not say which measure is suitable. A lockable room or a cabinet with a lock whose key only adults hold are obvious examples. Anyone who fails to protect cannabis or propagation material, or does so inadequately, commits a regulatory offence (section 36(1) no. 6 KCanG).

Why securing is so important

The duty under section 10 KCanG applies because children and young people in the household could come into contact with cannabis. The Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) notes that the young brain is in an important stage of development and that THC can interfere with the brain's maturation processes.

There is also a legal side. Cannabis from home cultivation may not be passed on to third parties (section 9(2) KCanG). Anyone who gives or passes cannabis to a child or young person commits a criminal offence. Under section 34 KCanG this is punishable by up to three years' imprisonment or a fine. If a person over 21 supplies cannabis to a child or young person, section 34(3) KCanG generally treats the case as particularly serious. Imprisonment from three months to five years then applies.

Practical steps at home

Putting this into practice is often simpler than it seems. Examples include:

• Keeping the plants in a room that children and young people cannot enter alone.
• Keeping the key or combination with adults only, away from any shared key box.
• Storing harvested material, dried material, seeds and cuttings locked up too, because section 10 KCanG covers cannabis in general as well as propagation material.
• Keeping a list so that you always know what is on hand.
• Locking the room reliably after each use, even if you only leave it for a short time.

It matters that the security works even on the day you forget about it. A system that only works when you pay attention does not protect reliably.

Privacy and visitors

Visitors can also pose a risk. Visiting children and young people count as third parties under section 10 KCanG. For that reason the room with the plants should also be off limits to visitors.

A privacy screen stops young people from seeing inside when they pass by or when a door is opened. Opaque windows or curtains are a simple measure. Also make sure the plants cannot be seen clearly from the balcony or the window.

Talking to young people about cannabis

Technical safeguards do not replace a conversation. Young people should know why the plants are protected and what risks cannabis use may pose for their development.

A good conversation is honest and keeps a steady tone. Explain the rules and give your reasons, and listen to what your child thinks. Parents can also answer questions about their own use openly, without having to justify themselves. You will find more suggestions in the guide on conversations about cannabis.

What to do if a young person has got to the plants

If you notice that plants or harvested material have been changed or taken, stay calm. Speak to the young person before you accuse them. A factual conversation often clears things up more than a threat of punishment. At the same time, you should improve the security immediately.

If you have the impression that a young person already uses cannabis regularly or is struggling, counselling makes sense. Local addiction counselling services help parents and young people alike, and conversations are confidential.

What else to consider when growing

Securing is part of the responsibility that comes with home cultivation. Anyone who grows plants must know the rules on home cultivation. This applies in particular to the maximum of three plants at the same time and the minimum age of 18 years in section 9(1) KCanG. You will find more on this in the guide to home cultivation from the age of 18.

If plants are kept in a household with children, also check whether visitors or carers have access. A short rule that everyone involved knows creates clarity.

Common mistakes when securing

Many safeguards fail on small details. These mistakes are common:

• The key is kept in the same cabinet or drawer as the plants.
• The plants stand in the living room, where visitors see them straight away.
• Harvested material lies unlocked in the kitchen or bathroom.

Checking these points helps you spot weak spots quickly. Usually a small change is enough, such as moving the key to a different storage place.

Keeping the security going day to day

The best security is of little use if it is forgotten after a few weeks. Set fixed routines: the room is locked after every use, the key always goes to the same place, and visitors are told beforehand.

Housemates also need clear rules. If several adults live in the household, it should be agreed who has the key and who gets access. A short conversation is often enough for everyone to know what applies.

What to do if a child has found plant parts

If a child eats plant parts or shows symptoms, medical help is needed immediately. For acute symptoms, call the emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. Keep the plant parts so that medical staff can examine them.

Even if nothing has happened, the security should be improved afterwards. An incident is a good reason to review the household rules.

Talking with the adults in the household is part of this too. People who agree the rules together are more likely to keep them.

Support and next steps

If you need support, you can find it at the local addiction counselling service, at parenting counselling centres and through the offers of the BIÖG. The BIÖG provides information on cannabispraevention.de about materials, contacts and background.

The topic area on prevention and youth protection brings together further articles on this subject. Securing is quick to set up, and it works straight away. Start today with the room that is least secured.