How to Legally Grow Cannabis in Germany: A Beginner's Guide (2025 Update)
An Exclusive Interview with Budrick von Blümen, Germany's Premier Legal Grow Expert
Intro by Amsterdam Seed Center
Guten Tag, Growmies.
Unless you've been living under a rock (or worse, Belgium), you've probably heard: Germany officially legalised home cultivation of cannabis in April 2024. Ja! You heard that right, chaps and chapettes. The land of sausages, techno, and incredibly efficient recycling now lets adults grow their own green… under particular conditions, natürlich.
But before you start tossing cannabis seeds from your balcony pots and calling it a revolution, know there are rules.
Lots of them. This is Germany, after all.
So why not go straight to the source? We tracked down the one man who knows the ins and outs of Germany's cannabis law better than anyone: Budrick von Blümen. Lawyer. Gardener. Enthusiast. Legend. And a complete work of fiction.
He's a man who's tangled with more police than a pensioner at a protest, once corrected a judge's Latin and gave him tips on topping autoflowers.
In this exclusive interview, Budrick breaks down what's legal and what's not, as well as how to stay fully compliant, all while keeping your sense of humour (and your criminal record clean).
Ready to get your Hans dirty in the garden? Grab your kneeling pad and let's go!
Interview with Budrick von Blümen
Germany's Premier Legal Grow Expert
Amsterdam Seed Center (ASC):
Budrick, thank you for joining us. You're something of a cult hero among Germany's newly legal home growers. For those who haven't read your 400-page whitepaper "Photosynthesis and the Constitution", can you give us a quick rundown of what's legal right now?
Budrick von Blümen:
Ah, yes, the whitepaper. My mother laminated her copy.
So, here's the short version — under Germany's Cannabis Act (CanG), effective since April 1st, 2024, adults over the age of 18 can grow up to three cannabis plants per person for personal use. That means no resale, no gifting, and no swapping your harvest for concert tickets or schnitzel. Personal use only, ja?
If you live with flatmates or family, you're capped at three plants per adult, but still need to make sure the maximum quantity limits are respected. And — this is important — the plants must be locked or secure, out of reach of minors or curious neighbours with binoculars and opinions.
ASC:
So, to be clear, it is three plants per adult, not per household?
Budrick:
Correct. You could grow nine plants in a shared flat with three adults and mutual trust. But if you're in a studio apartment with your cat and a landlord who still thinks cannabis is a gateway to jazz, you're looking at three max. Your cat doesn't count, legally or emotionally.
ASC:
What about buying cannabis seeds online? Can people just order them?
Budrick:
Ah, the eternal cannabis seed question. Yes, under CanG, the possession and acquisition of cannabis seeds is legal for home cultivation, but importing them still gets a little sticky depending on where they come from.
Domestic sources are preferred, of course. And always keep the invoice, my friend. Nothing says "I'm a responsible citizen" like a clearly labelled PDF.
ASC:
Any thoughts on plant types? Autoflowers vs photoperiod?
Budrick:
A classic debate. Autoflowers are great for beginners — shorter grow cycle, no light cycle worries, and less chance of running afoul of nosy landlords. Photoperiods give more control and typically higher yields, but they're a commitment. Like a relationship… except you don't get ghosted after eight weeks of flowers.
My legal advice? Choose the one you're least likely to kill.
ASC:
What are the most significant legal pitfalls new growers should avoid?
Budrick:
Glad you asked. I call these the "Blümen Traps":
- Growing more than three plants per adult. No bonus plants "just in case." This isn't Monopoly — you don't get extras.
- Letting minors access your plants. You're in trouble if your 16-year-old cousin posts a TikTok of your grow tent.
- Smell complaints from neighbours. Not technically illegal, but enough to invite attention. Use filters. Germany is a land of fresh air and passive aggression.
- Transporting clones or harvest. Homegrown means homegrown. Don't drive your buds to your friend's BBQ. That's not allowed.
ASC:
Alright, Budrick, our readers want to know — what's the deal with these new Cannabis Social Clubs everyone's buzzing about?
Budrick von Blümen:
Budrick von Blümen:
Ah, yes. The Cannabis Social Clubs — or as I call them, der Schrebergarten des Vertrauens.
As of July 1st 2024, these clubs may collectively cultivate cannabis and distribute it exclusively to their registered members.
It's like your local angling association. Still, instead of arguing about trout, we argue about drying rooms, dosage logs, and the exact definition of "non-commercial."
Clubs must be non-profit, officially registered, and administered with enough paperwork to terrify a printer.
But if done right? It's a legal way to enjoy cannabis cultivation. Very German.
Here's the gist:
- Clubs must be non-profit associations, officially registered and approved.
- They can have a maximum of 500 members.
- Members must be at least 18 and can only join one club at a time.
- The club can distribute up to 25g per day, 50g per month per member.
- No on-site consumption, no advertising, no fancy dispensary setups.
- (This is Germany, not California.)
And of course, cultivation and distribution must be tracked in a way that would make even a tax auditor weep with joy.
ASC:
Can I just show up at a club and grab some flowers?
Budrick:
Nein. You must be a registered member. And the weed must come from the club's own cultivation, not random external sources.
Also — homegrow and club supply are separate. You can do both, but your possession still can't exceed legal limits. If you've got 50g from your grow and try to walk out of a club with another 50g?
Congratulations — you've just become illegally overachieving.
Storing Your Harvest
ASC:
Let's talk homegrown harvest. Am I breaking the law if I get 200g from my three plants?
Budrick:
Legally speaking, not automatically, but you need to be smart about it.
Germany allows:
- Up to 25g in public
- Up to 50g (sometimes interpreted as 60g) at home, per adult
Now, if your plants yield more, which they often do, especially if you treat them like royalty, you can't just stash it all in one big jar.
What do smart growers do?
Portion. Label. Lock. You're not storing snacks; you're storing controlled substances.
Some growers vacuum seal and label grams by month. Others use canning jars like they're prepping for the end times. Whatever your method, keep it discreet, secure, and under control.
And remember: if authorities come knocking and you have 250g sitting in a shoebox marked "Herb Stuff," you'll need an excellent lawyer. Possibly me.
Harvest Limits & Grey Areas
ASC:
To clarify, is it not the yield that's illegal, but the possession?
Budrick:
Exactly. The law doesn't say "your plants may only yield 48.5 grams and no more." It says: you may only possess up to 50g at home.
What you do with the excess — compost, tinctures, gifts to your future self — is your business. Just make sure you're never holding more than the law allows at one time.
Also, don't try the "I was just trimming it" excuse if caught with a kilo. That trick died in 2002.
Final Thoughts from Budrick
ASC:
Final tips for the legally curious grower?
Budrick:
Yes. Three things:
- Read the actual law — or at least pretend to.
- Be boring. Legal growers don't broadcast their harvests on Instagram. They quietly tend their plants, drink tea, and name their jars like they're adopting cats.
- Don't be greedy. Homegrowing is about freedom, not farming for profit. You want more than 3 plants? Join a club, lobby for change, or move to Uruguay.
And lastly, if you're ever unsure, ask yourself:
"Would this be okay if the Polizei walked in right now?" If the answer is "maybe," then maybe don't.