When is cannabis use banned in pedestrian zones?

Public use of cannabis is prohibited in pedestrian zones between 7:00 and 20:00. This is set out in section 5(2) no. 5 of the Cannabis Act (Konsumcannabisgesetz, KCanG). Outside these hours this one point no longer applies, but other bans on use remain in place. This article explains when the ban applies, how it differs from the other bans in section 5 and what to watch for in everyday life.

How the ban in section 5 is structured

Public use is prohibited at certain places. These include schools, children's playgrounds, child and youth facilities and publicly accessible sports facilities. The enclosed premises of a cannabis association (Anbauvereinigung) are also covered. The pedestrian zone is a separate point on this list. For schools, children's playgrounds, child and youth facilities, sports facilities and cannabis associations, the ban also applies within sight, which ends at more than 100 meters from the entrance area. The law does not set this line of sight rule for pedestrian zones; there the ban applies between 7:00 and 20:00.

This system matters because it shows that the ban concerns several places at once. A ban at one location leaves the bans at other locations untouched. Anyone who wants to check whether they may use cannabis at a particular place therefore has to consider several points at the same time.

Which times apply in practice

The ban in the pedestrian zone applies between 7:00 and 20:00. After 20:00 this point falls away. That does not mean that use is allowed everywhere then. Other bans apply regardless of the time, for example at schools and within sight of them, or in the immediate presence of persons under 18.

Place or situation	Rule under the KCanG	Reference
Pedestrian zone	Ban on use between 7:00 and 20:00	section 5(2) KCanG
School and its line of sight	Ban on use	section 5(2) KCanG
Immediate presence of persons under 18	Ban on use	section 5(1) KCanG

The table shows the points that are most often confused in everyday life. For a precise distinction, the wording of the law remains decisive.

Classification as a youth protection rule

On cannabispraevention.de, the BIÖG counts the restriction of public use for adults among the protective measures for children and young people. This includes that no cannabis may be used in pedestrian zones between 7:00 and 20:00. The ban works alongside education and prevention in schools and families.

What the ban means in everyday life

In everyday life, the difference between a pedestrian zone and other public areas is not always obvious. The KCanG does not define the term pedestrian zone. Whether a particular area is a pedestrian zone is decided by the municipal regulatory office (Ordnungsamt) or the local city administration. Anyone who is unsure should clarify this in advance and, when in doubt, refrain from use.

Regardless of the pedestrian zone, use in the immediate presence of persons under 18 is prohibited (section 5(1) KCanG), including after 20:00.

Distinguishing from schools, playgrounds and sports facilities

The pedestrian zone is only one of several places. Schools and their line of sight are subject to a separate ban that does not depend on the time. Children's playgrounds and publicly accessible sports facilities are also protected. Anyone who looks at these places together will see more quickly where the boundaries lie.

The article on how far to keep away from schools explains the relationship to the line of sight in more detail. However, the information there is no substitute for checking the individual case.

What can happen if the ban is breached

Anyone who uses cannabis in public in breach of section 5(2) KCanG commits a regulatory offence (section 36(1) no. 4 KCanG). The maximum fine is set out in section 36(2) KCanG, and the authority sets the amount in the individual case. We deliberately do not give any amounts on this page. Young people are subject to additional rules, which are explained in the article on the consequences of an offence for young people.

How to behave correctly in everyday life

• Before using cannabis, check where you are and whether a ban applies at that place or time.
• Pay attention to who is nearby. If children or young people are close by, refrain from use.
• When in doubt, choose a different place that is clearly outside the protected areas, or postpone use.
• Find out about local rules from the city administration if you regularly spend time in the city centre.

These points sound simple but require attention. Anyone who makes them a habit does not have to decide again in each situation.

Prevention: children watch closely

The ban in pedestrian zones is aimed at adults who use cannabis in public. Conversations in the family about the rules complement it.

Conversations help. Parents can talk to children about why there are rules and what happens if they are broken. The article on talking to children about cannabis shows what such a conversation can look like.

Common misunderstandings

A common misconception is that if nobody is disturbed, everything is allowed. The ban depends on place and time, so how people feel about it makes no difference. Anyone who relies on a gut feeling easily underestimates the situation.

A second misconception is that use outdoors is allowed everywhere as long as you keep out of the way. This is too simple as well. Other bans apply in parallel, and they can overlap with the location of a pedestrian zone. Anyone who considers the rules together recognises the situation more quickly.

Where to find out more

An overview of all bans on use and youth protection rules can be found in the article on youth protection under the KCanG. Further information on youth protection and prevention is available on the page youth protection. For specific questions about your situation, a counselling service can help.