Cannabis across the Germany–Switzerland Border
Since April 2024 (KCanG), cannabis is partially legal in Germany — but border crossing remains legally sensitive. DE → CH and CH → DE are treated differently.
DE → CH: cannabis import punishable (NarcA Art. 19), CBD <1 % legal. CH → DE: BtMG import even with KCanG legality in DE (import remains authorization-required). Commuters: no special regime.
KCanG in Germany — since 2024
Cannabis Act (KCanG) of April 1, 2024: up to 25 g in public, 50 g at home, 3 plants. Cannabis Social Clubs since July 2024.
Important: KCanG regulates possession and consumption, not border crossing. Cannabis remains a narcotic under BtMG — import from a non-EU country like Switzerland remains authorization-required.
CH → DE: importing cannabis
Legal: cannabis import from Switzerland to Germany = §29 BtMG (unauthorized import). Even if you may possess 25 g in DE — the import itself is punishable.
CBD <0.2 % THC (EU threshold) formally allowed, but CBD flowers remain contested in DE (Novel Food, narcotics interpretation). German customs regularly seizes Swiss flowers.
DE → CH: entering from Germany
Cannabis import to Switzerland: NarcA Art. 19. Up to 10 g personal use → 100 CHF fine. Larger quantities → criminal charges.
CBD products <1 % THC: legal import, no customs declaration needed for small personal quantities.
Border checks — practice
DE–CH border: no systematic checks (Schengen), but samples. Rhine bridges Basel, A5/A98, trains. Cannabis smell = initial suspicion.
Cross-border commuters (~330,000 DE/FR/IT): no special rights. Consumption location at time of check counts, not residence.
FAQ
Can I bring 25 g from DE to CH?
No. Legal in DE, punishable in CH. On entry: fine (up to 10 g) or criminal charges.
CBD flowers from CH to DE — legal?
Formally no (Novel Food, BtMG). In practice: customs regularly seizes.
Am I protected as a commuter?
No. Consumption location at time of check counts.
Cannabis Germany–Switzerland Border — KCanG, CBD, Customs 2026