Disclosure: BDI.ie is run by the team behind Dr. Hemp Me and CBD Éire. Where we mention those brands, we have a commercial interest. More about who we are.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Germany’s cannabis laws changed dramatically in 2024, and many people assume that means CBD is now simple. It is not quite that straightforward. This guide explains the Cannabis Act, where CBD fits, the status of CBD foods and cosmetics, changes to medical cannabis, and how to buy and travel safely.
The Cannabis Act (CanG)
Since 1 April 2024, adults in Germany can legally possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and 50 grams at home, and grow up to three plants for personal use. Non-commercial cannabis social clubs, limited to 500 members and open only to residents, have been licensed since July 2024; several hundred have been approved. The law remains in force in 2026, although the federal government has been evaluating it, and political debate about its future continues. The Cannabis Act is about THC-containing cannabis; it did not create a new framework for CBD products.
Where CBD fits in Germany
CBD is not a narcotic in Germany. Industrial hemp may be grown under the EU 0.3% THC limit. However, German food authorities treat CBD extracts in food as an unauthorised novel food, so CBD oils marketed as food supplements are in a grey area, and enforcement varies between federal states. Many CBD oils are sold labelled as cosmetics or “aroma oils”. CBD cosmetics are widely available. Hemp foods such as seeds and seed oil are ordinary foods.
Medical cannabis in Germany
Medical cannabis was moved out of narcotics law into a separate Medical Cannabis Act when the CanG took effect, and private prescriptions grew rapidly, including through online telemedicine services. In 2025 the government proposed amendments to require in-person consultations and stop mail-order delivery of cannabis flower; as of autumn 2026 the bill had passed its first reading and committee hearing but had not completed its final readings. Statutory health insurers also changed reimbursement rules for cannabis flower in 2026. If you use medical cannabis, check the latest rules with your doctor or pharmacist.
Buying CBD safely in Germany
Buy from established German or EU businesses that provide an independent lab report for the batch, CBD content in milligrams, a THC result within the legal limit, and a full German-language label with the responsible business. Compare price per milligram. Avoid products making health claims and anything containing HHC or other semi-synthetic cannabinoids.
Driving in Germany
Germany introduced a THC limit for drivers of 3.5 nanograms per millilitre of blood serum in 2024, alongside an absolute ban on combining cannabis with alcohol for drivers. CBD itself is not intoxicating, but products containing THC could contribute to a positive test. Do not drive if CBD makes you drowsy.
Our position
BDI.ie is run by the team behind Dr. Hemp Me and CBD Éire, Irish CBD brands. Dr. Hemp Me also publishes a guide to CBD in Germany. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Choosing a strength and type
CBD oils sold in Germany usually range from about 5% to 30%. A 10% oil (1,000mg in 10ml) gives roughly 5mg of CBD per drop, which makes small, measured amounts easy, so many first-time buyers start there. Higher strengths are not stronger in effect, only more concentrated: fewer drops, and often a lower price per milligram. Full spectrum extracts keep a wide range of hemp compounds, broad spectrum extracts have THC removed, and isolates are CBD on its own. Whatever the label says, the lab report is what matters: check the CBD content matches the bottle and that THC is within the legal limit or not detected. Follow the recommended daily serving on the label and do not exceed it.
The EU picture in brief
Across the EU, CBD sits in a grey area. No CBD food or supplement has yet been authorised under the EU novel food rules, so each country decides how strictly to enforce them, which is why rules differ so much between neighbours. Hemp may be grown with up to 0.3% THC in the plant. In 2020 the EU Court of Justice ruled in the Kanavape case that CBD is not a narcotic and that member states should not ban CBD lawfully produced elsewhere in the EU without good reason. CBD cosmetics are generally allowed across the EU. Rules are changing quickly, so check official sources before you buy or travel.
Six checks before you buy, anywhere
- An independent lab report with a batch number matching your product.
- THC not detected (or below the local legal limit).
- CBD stated in milligrams per bottle and per serving.
- A full label in a language you understand, with the business address.
- No medical claims.
- A seller with real contact details in the EU.
Travelling with CBD to or from Germany
Before travelling, check the rules in your destination and any country you pass through. Keep CBD in its original labelled packaging, carry a copy of the lab report, and follow airport liquid limits. Never travel with hemp flower or any product containing THC, HHC or other controlled cannabinoids. Some countries outside the EU treat any cannabis-derived product as a serious drug offence.
Using CBD safely
- Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take any medication; CBD can interact with some medicines.
- Keep within the recommended daily serving on the label.
- CBD is not recommended in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or for children.
- Do not drive if it makes you drowsy.
- CBD supplements cannot claim to treat any illness.
CBD shops and “Hanf” shops in Germany
German cities have many hemp (“Hanf”) shops and pharmacies selling CBD. Some also sell hemp flower or products containing semi-synthetic cannabinoids marketed as legal alternatives. Hemp flower with low THC sits in a contested legal area in Germany, and semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC have been restricted. Stick to clearly labelled oils, capsules and cosmetics with lab reports.
Choosing a CBD cosmetic
A properly notified EU cosmetic lists its ingredients using INCI names (CBD appears as “cannabidiol”), the responsible person in the EU, a batch number and a period-after-opening symbol. Cosmetics cannot claim to treat illness. Patch test new products and avoid broken skin.
Health support in Germany
Your family doctor (Hausarzt) and local pharmacy (Apotheke) can advise on supplements and medicine interactions. In an emergency, call 112. The free, anonymous TelefonSeelsorge emotional support lines are available 24 hours on 0800 111 0 111 and 0800 111 0 222.
Questions to ask a German seller
- Is this sold as a food, a cosmetic or an aroma oil, and why?
- Can I see the lab report and THC result for this batch?
- How much CBD is in each drop?
- Who is the responsible business?
How Germany compares with its neighbours
The Netherlands tolerates cannabis sales in coffeeshops but treats CBD foods as unauthorised novel foods. Austria allows CBD products with up to 0.3% THC but has restricted where hemp flower can be sold. France has withdrawn ingestible CBD products from sale since May 2026 while allowing cosmetics. Switzerland, outside the EU, allows products with up to 1% THC. These differences mean a product bought legally in one country may not be legal next door, so check before travelling.
Pets
If you are considering CBD for a pet in Germany, talk to your vet (Tierarzt) first, use only products made for animals, and never give pets human gummies or sweets, which can contain xylitol.
We review this guide regularly as German law continues to change.
Frequently asked questions
Is CBD legal in Germany?
CBD is not a narcotic, and CBD cosmetics are widely sold. CBD in food is treated as an unauthorised novel food, so CBD oils as supplements are in a grey area.
Did the Cannabis Act legalise CBD?
The Cannabis Act legalised limited adult use of THC-containing cannabis. It did not create a new framework for CBD products.
How much cannabis can you carry in Germany?
Adults can possess up to 25g in public and 50g at home under the Cannabis Act.
Can tourists use cannabis social clubs?
No. Clubs are open only to residents who meet membership rules.
Can I bring CBD oil to Germany?
Personal-use products meeting EU rules are generally low risk. Never bring THC products across borders.
What is the THC driving limit in Germany?
3.5 ng/ml in blood serum, with zero tolerance for combining cannabis and alcohol.
Is medical cannabis available online in Germany?
Online prescribing grew after 2024, but the government has proposed restrictions; check current rules.
Can I take CBD with medication?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist first.
Related guides
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. CBD products sold in Ireland are food supplements or cosmetics, not medicines. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before using CBD, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.