Cannabis in Hamburg

Hamburg centralizes the licensing of cultivation associations in one office: the consumer protection, trade and environment department of the Hamburg-Altona district office licenses and supervises clubs for the whole city, with the Authority for Justice and Consumer Protection as the responsible ministry. Hamburg permits are valid for seven years and can be renewed after five, and the city publishes a downloadable whitelist of licensed associations, which is the simplest way to check whether a club is legitimate.

The city's guidance follows the federal Consumer Cannabis Act: at most 500 members per club, all at least 18 and resident in Germany for at least six months, a minimum membership of three months, and a distance of 200 meters from schools, youth facilities and playgrounds. The first permit went to High End Social Club e.V. on 10 October 2024, three months after it applied; it planned for about 500 members.

Outside the clubs, adults in Hamburg may carry up to 25 grams, keep 50 grams at home and grow three plants. There are no cannabis shops. Medical cannabis requires a prescription and is dispensed by pharmacies; as of September 2026 telemedicine prescriptions and mail-order delivery are still legal, while statutory insurers no longer pay for cannabis flower.