Does the ban on use also apply at youth centres?

Yes. The Cannabis Act (Konsumcannabisgesetz, KCanG) names child and youth facilities expressly in section 5(2) as places where public use is prohibited. The ban also applies within sight of these facilities. The law does not define the term. A youth centre with offers for young people is likely to fall under it. Anyone who uses cannabis publicly in the facility or within its sight breaches section 5(2) no. 3 KCanG and commits a regulatory offence (section 36(1) no. 4 KCanG).

What counts as a child and youth facility

The law uses the term child and youth facilities without listing every individual facility. A youth centre with open offers is likely to count as a child and youth facility. Whether a specific place falls under it cannot be said in general. In case of doubt, ask the municipal regulatory office (Ordnungsamt), and refraining from use is the safe route.

The ban covers public use in the facility and within its sight. Anyone who uses cannabis in a park opposite the youth centre may therefore still be covered, if the line of sight reaches.

The line of sight around the youth centre

The line of sight plays a special role for facilities. Under section 5(2), second sentence, KCanG, a line of sight no longer exists at a distance of more than 100 metres from the entrance area of the facility. Within 100 metres, a line of sight may exist even if you are not standing directly in front of the building.

In everyday life it is hard to estimate the distance precisely. Anyone who keeps well over 100 metres away, or refrains from use altogether in the surrounding area, avoids the risk.

Why youth centres are especially protected

The law names child and youth facilities as places where public use is prohibited. The BIÖG counts refraining from use within sight of child and youth facilities among the protective measures for children and young people. It also points out that the young brain is in an important stage of development. In the worst case, a school or vocational qualification is at risk, because memory works much worse.

What young people in the youth centre should know

Anyone who is at the youth centre themselves can keep a few things in mind, so that they do not get into an uncomfortable situation:

• The ban applies inside the facility and within its sight, including at the entrance.
• Possession, acquisition and cultivation of cannabis are prohibited for minors in any case.
• If you need help, speak to the supervisors. They know counselling services and can refer you on.

What supervisors and parents can do

Supervisors in youth centres can achieve a lot with clear rules. These steps can be put into practice in everyday life:

• Write down the rule on the ban on use and display it in the building.
• Briefly inform new visitors about the rules when they register.
• Address suspicions calmly, without immediately accusing anyone.

Parents can explain to their child why the ban exists. A reason helps more than a bare order. The BIÖG offers parents recommendations and background information at cannabispraevention.de.

What to do if something has happened

If use is noticed in the youth centre, a calm response matters most. A conversation with the young person often clears things up more than a threat of punishment. If you have the impression that a young person has serious problems with cannabis, involve an addiction counselling service.

For questions about responsibility in an individual case, the local youth welfare services can help. More on this can be found in the guide on the youth welfare office and when it is informed.

Bans at other public places

The ban at youth centres is part of a broader rule. Use is also prohibited on children's playgrounds and at publicly accessible sports facilities. More on this can be found in the guide on the ban on use at playgrounds and on the ban on use at sports grounds.

For the legal framework in overview, see the guide on the KCanG and youth protection. For young people, the guide on bans on use in the presence of minors is also of interest.

When young people seek help themselves

Young people who notice that their use is causing them problems often first speak to someone they trust. Supervisors can then arrange contact with a counselling service. This is an important step, because help is easier to accept when it is accompanied.

Anyone who, as a supervisor or youth worker, notices that a young person uses regularly should seek a conversation and offer support, without threatening. A factual tone opens the door to honest answers.

Making rules visible

A rule that nobody knows has no effect. A notice in the entrance area, a brief explanation at the start of each course and a clear note in the information leaflet help here. That way the rule stays present without being discussed again at every visit.

It is also important that the rule applies equally to newcomers and regulars. Then no impression of arbitrariness arises.

Contacts for supervisors, parents and young people

Anyone seeking support should contact the local addiction counselling service. There, confidential conversations are offered, including for relatives. For young people, youth counselling is often a good first point of contact.

The topic page on prevention and youth protection brings together further information. Anyone who runs a youth centre can find materials and contact persons there. A call to the local counselling service is the simplest first step.