May under-18s enter the grounds of a cannabis association?

No. Under section 23(1) KCanG, cannabis associations may not admit persons who have not yet completed their 18th year of life to their enclosed premises. The Act names no exception for this, including for accompaniment by adults. If a cannabis association nevertheless grants access, it commits an administrative offence (section 36(1) no. 31 KCanG).

What the enclosed premises are

The Act uses the term for the demarcated grounds of a cannabis association, without describing it in more detail in section 23. Other provisions give a point of reference: passing cannabis on may take place only within the enclosed premises (section 19(2) KCanG), and cultivation areas must be protected from view from outside (section 23(3) KCanG). Only the club or the competent authority can say where the boundary runs in a specific case. Anyone unsure whether they may enter a site should ask the club beforehand.

Membership from age 18

A cannabis association may have only members who have completed their 18th year of life (section 16(1) KCanG). On admission, age and place of residence or habitual abode must be proven by an official photo ID or other suitable official documents (section 16(4) KCanG). Within the cannabis association, cannabis may be grown collectively only by members (section 17(1) KCanG).

Passing on takes place only within the enclosed premises, from member to member. The club must check age and membership by means of a membership card and an official photo ID (section 19(2) KCanG). For young adults, that is 18 to 20 year olds, narrower limits apply: at most 25 grams per day, at most 30 grams per calendar month and at most 10 percent THC. From 21, the limits are at most 25 grams per day and 50 grams per calendar month (section 19(3) KCanG).

What cannabis associations must contribute to youth protection

Cannabis associations must contribute to comprehensive youth and health protection and encourage their members to handle cannabis responsibly (section 23(4) KCanG). To this end, the board appoints a member as prevention officer, who is available as a contact person for questions on addiction prevention. In addition, cannabis associations should cooperate with local addiction counselling services (section 23(5) KCanG) and must draw up a health and youth protection concept (section 23(6) KCanG).

When passing cannabis on, they must also provide information on the risks, expressly including possible neurological and health damage from consumption under the age of 25 (section 21(3) no. 1 KCanG).

No advertising on the grounds

Cannabis associations may not make their enclosed premises recognisable from outside through advertising signage or other conspicuous design elements. A factual statement of the name at the entrance is permissible (section 23(2) KCanG). A breach is also an administrative offence (section 36(1) no. 32 KCanG).

What visitors should observe

• Ask the club beforehand whether a visit is possible and which rules apply.
• Have an official photo ID ready, as age is checked when cannabis is passed on.
• Anyone under 18 does not come along, not even as the companion of an adult.
• Even anyone who only wants to enter the grounds briefly should first check whether this is permitted.

The rule applies regardless of how familiar someone is with the club.

What parents should know

Parents sometimes ask whether their child may visit a club, for example because an older friend is a member there. For under-18s, there is no access. According to cannabispraevention.de, the risks of cannabis are particularly high for young people. If a young person was on the grounds anyway, a calm conversation helps, and a counselling service can offer additional support.

Grounds, outdoor area and sight

The grounds often include more than the building. Public consumption is prohibited within the enclosed premises of cannabis associations and within their sight (section 5(2) no. 6 KCanG). Sight ends at a distance of more than 100 metres from the entrance area (section 5(2) sentence 2 KCanG). A breach is an administrative offence (section 36(1) no. 4 KCanG).

Where you can find help

Anyone with questions about consumption, or who notices that cannabis is becoming a problem in their circle, can find support at a local addiction counselling service. Youth counselling services are also points of contact when young people have questions themselves.

An overview of rules for young people and parents is in the prevention and youth protection topic area. On the minimum age for members, you can also read the guide Can young people under 18 join a club?.