- Taking cannabis across a border is prohibited and a criminal offence, even small amounts and even into neighbouring countries.
- Within Germany the usual rules apply, including on domestic flights (§ 3 KCanG).
- At work you must not get into a state of intoxication that could put you or others at risk. Employers may prohibit use during working hours.
Across the border: prohibited
The Consumer Cannabis Act prohibits importing, exporting or carrying cannabis in transit (§ 2 para. 1 no. 5 and 6 KCanG). There is no exception for small amounts. Anyone who does it anyway faces up to three years in prison or a fine (§ 34 para. 1 KCanG), and for a not insignificant quantity usually three months to five years (§ 34 para. 3 KCanG). German customs points this out explicitly: “In principle, import, export and transit are prohibited.”
This applies in both directions and also to countries where cannabis is partly permitted. Abroad, the local law applies, and in many countries it is considerably stricter. The article Cannabis laws compared gives an overview.
We recommend checking your luggage and your car before the journey home so that no leftovers travel with you.
Cannabis as a medicine: If you want to take cannabis prescribed by a doctor with you within the Schengen area, you need a certificate under Article 75 of the Schengen Implementing Convention, completed by the doctor and certified by the authorities. Even that does not guarantee entry without problems. For travel outside the Schengen area, ask the embassy of the destination country beforehand.
On the move in Germany
From the age of 18, you may carry up to 25 grams when out and about (§ 3 para. 1 KCanG). This also applies on domestic flights, because § 3 KCanG makes no distinction by means of transport. Where use is prohibited is shown on the map of no-consumption zones. For flights abroad, the prohibition on import, export and transit applies. What applies in road traffic is explained in the module Road traffic and the law.
At work
The accident prevention regulation of the statutory accident insurance is clear: employees must not put themselves into a state through alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants in which they may endanger themselves or others (§ 15 para. 2 DGUV Vorschrift 1). Anyone who is visibly unable to work safely must not be employed on that work (§ 7 para. 2 DGUV Vorschrift 1).
- Rules at work: Employers may prohibit use during working hours. In safety-critical areas, for example at machines or at the wheel, they may also prohibit turning up to work under the influence of drugs. When it comes to use on company premises outside working hours, for example during breaks, an existing works council has a say. Anyone who breaks a ban risks a formal warning or dismissal.
- Drug tests: They must not be carried out without your consent. A positive test does not reliably show whether you are impaired at work.
- Accident insurance: Cover lapses if you were no longer able to do the work at all or if your use was the main cause of the accident.
How long it can be detected
THC is fat-soluble and binds to fatty and brain tissue. That is why cannabinoids can still be detected days or weeks after use. According to the accident insurance, there are no binding criteria or clear limits beyond which there is no longer any impairment at work. An overview by type of test is in the module Road traffic and the law.
If you notice that your use is affecting your work, you can get support from your company’s addiction counselling, from the company doctor or under Finding help. Company doctors are bound by medical confidentiality.
Sources
- KCanG § 2, § 3, § 34 (2) (3)
- German customs, press release on a prevented import of cannabis, 14 November 2025
- ADAC, which rules apply to cannabis in the EU?, as of 13 July 2026
- DGUV, cannabis at work (§ 15 para. 2 and § 7 para. 2 DGUV Vorschrift 1, bans, co-determination, tests, insurance cover, detectability)
- Federal Ministry of Health, FAQ on the Cannabis Act (DGUV Vorschrift 1), as of 4 September 2026
- § 8 Arbeitssicherheitsgesetz