Cannabis Seeds Are Legal In Germany: What This Means

Germany, renowned for its progressive policies, has reached a significant milestone in its legislation by finally legalizing cannabis. This move not only marks a welcome shift in societal attitudes towards cannabis but also presents an abundance of opportunities for consumers. Here, we decipher the intricacies of the legislation, and break down what it means for consumers in terms of purchasing cannabis seeds, cultivating their own plants, and more. We’ve even included some of the best strains to grow in German climates – just click on the links below to get your journey underway! 

Understanding The Legislation

The legalization of cannabis in Germany took effect on April 1st, 2024 – but despite the date, it’s not a joke. Legalization comes with a set of regulations designed to ensure responsible consumption and safeguard public health. The law permits the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use in public spaces, and up to 50 grams in private spaces. One of the foremost concerns of legislators is safeguarding minors against the potential harms of cannabis, and to this end, strict regulations have been put in place. Individuals under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or cultivating cannabis. Furthermore, supplying cannabis to minors carries severe legal consequences, including a potential jail sentence of up to five years for those over 21 found aiding minors in obtaining cannabis. 

In addition to age restrictions, certain spaces remain off-limits for cannabis consumption. Within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, and outdoor public facilities, cannabis consumption is strictly prohibited. As the government continues to refine its approach, guidelines regarding driving under the influence of cannabis state that exceeding legal THC limits while driving will result in fines and potential driving bans. 

Purchasing Cannabis Seeds

One of the most notable aspects of legalization is the allowance for individuals to purchase cannabis seeds for personal cultivation. This presents enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore various strains and finally cultivate cannabis in the comfort of their homes, without fear of persecution or prosecution. However, it's essential to acquire seeds from licensed vendors to ensure quality and compliance with regulations. This is where Seedsman can help. Our products are covered by a 60-day germination policy and are always shipped in original breeder packaging – that way you know you’re receiving authentic, quality cannabis seeds, every time. Choosing Seedsman means choosing the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re getting the best genetics, backed up by our superb customer support. To make things even easier, we’ve added some product recommendations at the bottom of this article, to help you begin your journey. 

Cultivating Cannabis at Home

With the legalization of cannabis, individuals in Germany are permitted to cultivate up to three plants for personal use. This provision not only empowers consumers to cultivate their own cannabis but also fosters a deeper connection with the plant and its therapeutic properties. 

When cultivating cannabis at home, growers must adhere to cultivation guidelines outlined by the legislation. This includes ensuring that plants are grown discreetly, away from public view, and in a secure environment to prevent unauthorized access. Responsible cultivation practices, such as proper ventilation, lighting, and watering, are essential for maximizing plant health and yield. The legalization framework extends to the cultivation of cannabis for personal use.  However, the variability in plant sizes and yields presents challenges, particularly concerning the limits of private possession. As regulatory guidelines evolve, it is hoped that clarity will emerge for German growers, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. 

Implications for Consumers

The legalization of cannabis in Germany heralds a new era of accessibility and acceptance for consumers. It not only provides individuals with the freedom to purchase and possess cannabis for personal use but also empowers them to explore cultivation and deepen their understanding of the plant. 

Moreover, the legalization opens doors for scientific research and innovation in the cannabis industry, paving the way for advancements in medical cannabis therapies and industrial applications. With increased access to cannabis, patients suffering from various medical conditions can explore alternative treatment options, harnessing the therapeutic potential of the plant. 

As consumers and cultivators explore this newfound freedom, it's essential to approach cannabis consumption and cultivation responsibly, respecting both legal regulations and the well-being of oneself and others. With careful consideration and adherence to guidelines, individuals can embrace the opportunity presented by legalization, developing a deeper understanding of cannabis and its many benefits opportunities. Seedsman is here to help. Our blog is filled with useful, practical advice to help you get started on your journey, whether you’re looking to grow indoors or out, to make sure you’re informed and prepared with everything you need to begin cultivating top-quality cannabis. We can take you from beginner to advanced cultivation, and even help you choose the right genetics for your needs. 

What To Grow?

Now that cultivation is legal in Germany, what should you grow? There’s an incredible world of amazing cannabis strains for you to explore, but if you’re looking to try your hand at an outdoor grow, take the climate into account when choosing strains.  

Germany's temperate climate features mild winters and cool summers influenced by both maritime and continental air masses. Average temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) in January to 20°C (68°F) in July, with moderate rainfall totaling 789mm (31 inches) annually, distributed evenly throughout the year. Coastal areas tend to have higher humidity, while the south experiences warmer temperatures reaching up to 30°C with occasional heatwaves.

Cannabis growers should adapt to regional variations, with northern regions needing protection from cooler temperatures and rainfall, while southern regions may require measures against heat and dryness. Selecting strains tolerant to these temperatures and humidity is crucial, favoring those with shorter flowering times and resistance to pests and diseases. Autoflowering varieties offer quicker harvests, ideal for multiple yields before autumn. On the other hand, if you’re looking to start your cultivation journey indoors, we have some strains suited to indoor growing too. 

Here are Seedsman’s recommendations for some of the best cannabis strains for newcomers to try: 

The Best Cannabis Strains To Grow In Germany

Blue Dream FAST 

Cannabis strains named early/fast are photoperiod cannabis varieties – where you adjust the light schedule after the vegetative phase to induce flowering. However, they have been selectively bred including autoflowering genetics to ensure a faster finishing time, typically knocking around two weeks off the finishing time of their fully-photodependent cousins. Early/Fast strains are ideal for countries like Germany where climates can be cooler, apt to more rain, and shorter summer seasons. 

Blue Dream FAST gives you the chance to experience one of the most beloved and in-demand cannabis strains of recent years. Its upbeat effects and therapeutic charm made it an immediate star strain, and with FAST genetics cutting the flowering time to 7-9 weeks, you can now get your hands on its sensational buds even sooner. Yields are fantastic, with indoor harvests of up to 600gm/m2 possible, and outdoor harvests potentially as high as 700gm/plant. 

Jack Herer FAST 

The German climate can present challenges, with northern regions especially susceptible to cooler temperatures and rainfall – but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow amazing outdoor plants! Seedsman Jack Herer FAST is an old-school cannabis strain adapted to finish nice and early before the inclement weather comes along and causes headaches. And just for peace of mind, this strain shows superb tolerance to colder, wetter climates. 

Flowering in 6-8 weeks, Jack Herer FAST has high mold resistance, and tremendous yield potential, capable of providing harvests of between 450-750gm/plant outdoors. Indoor growers can reap as much as between 450-600gm/m2.  Those legendary buds are known the world over for their high THC content and famed spicy, pine flavors, as well as their exceptional resin coverage which is splendid for making extracts. 

Gelato 41 BX 

This photoperiod strain offers superb yields and a very high THC content, but you don’t have to be an expert to get the best from it. Seedsman Gelato 41 BX is suitable for inexperienced growers, and performs well in cool, dry climates, as well as warm and even hot temperatures. Better still, it has a high level of mold resistance, which is ideal for rookies as it removes one potential headache from your first project.  

Flowering time is 8-10 weeks, and outdoor plants will be ready in late September/Early October. The lab-tested THC content is a sky-high 30%, so while it’s an ideal strain for beginner growers, it’s definitely best suited to a more experienced consumer! 

Banana Biscotti F1 

F1 Strains are revered for their incredible vigor and yield potential, so producing big harvests without fear of climate issues or pests is where they come into their own. Seedsman Banana Biscotti F1 is an exceptional new strain featuring a strong genetic base and great weather-beating properties. This new variety is built to handle the climate in more southerly regions of Germany, where the summer months can be a little warmer, but its versatility means it can also thrive further north where temperatures can be noticeably cooler.

Banana Biscotti F1 plants are tall, up to 200cm, and notoriously aromatic. For these reasons, they’re best suited to outdoor growing, where they can potentially yield up to 750gm/plant. That’s not to say you can’t grow them indoors, but if you do, make sure to have plenty of carbon filtering to deal with the incredible scents these plants produce when flowering. This superb uplifting, cerebral strain takes 7-9 weeks to complete flowering, and its beautiful, frosty buds are a sight to behold. 

Sour Diesel Auto 

Autoflowering cannabis strains may be the perfect choice for those starting out on their cultivation journey. Autos are compact, so arguably easier to tend. They also typically have superb resistance to mold and other plant diseases and can be cultivated indoors or outdoors with no need to change the light schedule to induce flowering.  

Sour Diesel Auto is a relative newcomer to the Seedsman collection, but its ease of cultivation, high yields, and feared potency make this autoflowering take on one of the true GOATs of the flavor game something a little bit special. Its compact stature makes it a brilliant choice for a first-timer grower, and with superb resiliency into the bargain, newcomers can enjoy their first harvest a mere 55-65 days after germination. It’s simply one of best-tasting strains there’s ever been and, with yields as high as 450gm/plant for outdoor growers, the reward is incredible for such an effortless grow. 

Northern Lights Auto 

If you’re expecting one of those wet German summers, your best bet is to opt for genetics built to withstand less favorable conditions. Seedsman Northern Lights Auto is exactly what you need. The original Northern Lights strain is a legend in the cannabis world, and NL Auto somehow manages to best its famed resilience. The entire lifecycle of this strain is 55-60 days, meaning you make off with the bounty before early frosts or heavy late summer rains take their first bow. 

Northern Lights Auto stands tall in the face of mold, pests, diseases and harsh weather, yet still manages to produce great yields of potent, flavorful buds. Indoor growing can offer up harvests of 450gm/m2, with outdoor harvests potentially as high as 450gm/plant. The legendary sweet and pine aromas of this hall of fame strain are present and correct – and absolutely delectable.