Is cannabis consumption allowed on children's playgrounds?

No, public cannabis consumption is prohibited on children's playgrounds. The KCanG expressly names children's playgrounds in section 5(2). The ban also applies within sight of the playground. Anyone who consumes cannabis on or within sight of a playground breaches this ban, even when no one is playing at that moment. A breach is an administrative offence (section 36(1) no. 4 KCanG).

What section 5 KCanG prohibits on the playground

The rule is set out in section 5 KCanG. Public consumption is prohibited there in several areas: at schools, on children's playgrounds, in child and youth facilities, at publicly accessible sports facilities and on the enclosed premises of cannabis associations (Anbauvereinigungen). In each case, this also applies within sight.

Sight has a fixed limit: at a distance of more than 100 metres from the entrance area of the playground, there is no longer any sight (section 5(2) sentence 2 KCanG). Closer than 100 metres, consumption remains prohibited, and in everyday life sight is often hard to judge precisely.

Anyone unsure should therefore keep a clear distance. A simple rule of thumb: if you can see the playground, leave the cannabis alone.

In addition: consumption in the presence of minors

Regardless of location, section 5(1) KCanG prohibits consumption in the immediate presence of persons who have not yet completed their 18th year of life. This concerns the people who are present at that moment. On a playground these are often children, so the two bans can coincide. According to cannabispraevention.de, the risks of cannabis are particularly high for young people.

Typical situations and what you can do

In everyday life, questions often arise in grey areas. These situations come up frequently:

• You sit on a bench and children are playing on the playground: leave consumption alone.
• You walk past a playground with friends: the ban applies there too, as long as the playground is within sight.
• You live next to a playground: under section 5(1) KCanG, the ban on consumption in the immediate presence of minors applies regardless of location.
• You are unsure whether a place is publicly accessible: then refrain.

Anyone who does not want to resolve a problem themselves can contact the local public order authority (Ordnungsbehörde) or the police. They know the local situation and can assess what needs to be done in the individual case.

What parents can do when children notice consumption

Parents sometimes come across cannabis in public spaces and do not know how to react. Staying calm helps. Explain briefly and factually to your child that the law prohibits public consumption on playgrounds and within their sight.

The BIÖG offers parents background information and recommendations on handling the topic at cannabispraevention.de. There you will find material for parents.

Consumption bans near cannabis associations

Special rules also apply around cannabis associations. The enclosed premises of a club are protected too, and cannabis associations may not admit persons under 18 (section 23(1) KCanG). More on this is in the guide under access to the cannabis association.

A similar ban applies at sports grounds, as publicly accessible sports facilities are also named. How this looks in practice for sports facilities is explained in the guide under the consumption ban at sports grounds.

Playground, school and youth facility compared

The ban also applies at schools, and likewise within their sight (section 5(2) KCanG). Child and youth facilities are also named. More on this is in the guide on the consumption ban at youth centres. The rule stays the same in all cases: public consumption is prohibited there and within sight.

What to do if neighbours smoke on the playground

Parents often ask whether they should approach neighbours when cannabis is smoked on the playground. A conversation at eye level is usually the first step. You explain that children play there and that a ban applies to public consumption on playgrounds. A factual conversation can avoid many disputes.

If the conversation does not help, parents can contact the local public order authority or the police. It is important to describe the incident specifically: place, time and what was observed. This helps every body assess the situation.

What you can do if in doubt

If you are unsure whether you may consume at a particular place, refrain. This is the simplest and safest solution. Anyone who wants to know more should check the KCanG or contact a counselling service for addiction and drug questions.

Anyone who consumes regularly and notices that use is becoming too much in everyday life can find free and confidential help at a local addiction counselling service. General practitioners can also give advice. More information on contacts is in the prevention and youth protection section.