Driving With a Limited THC Level Now Allowed in Germany

Germany has set new limits for THC levels and driving, with the established limit being “higher than what the courts had previously set” and “low enough to ensure that a driver no longer feels the effects of the drug when getting behind the wheel,” according to experts cited by the European Consumer Center.

For more news like this, along with all the latest in legalization, research, and lifestyle, download our free cannabis news app.

THC Limits Established for Driving in Germany

Since Thursday, August 22, consuming cannabis before driving is permitted and “strictly limited” in Germany, provided the driver does not exceed a THC level of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood (3.5 ng/ml), reports the European Consumer Center. This legal threshold, passed by the Bundestag in June, is “higher than what the courts had previously set (1 ng/ml of blood)” but “low enough to ensure that a driver no longer feels the effects of the drug when getting behind the wheel,” the ECC clarifies.

This measure aligns with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s policy of partially legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes. Since April 1, purchasing or growing cannabis for personal enjoyment has been allowed.

However, possession and consumption of the drug remain strictly prohibited for those under 18. With this new law, which sparked heated debates across Germany, the country follows in the footsteps of Malta and Luxembourg, which legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 and 2023, respectively. However, “only adults who have been residents of Germany for more than six months are permitted to grow, consume, and possess cannabis in limited quantities,” the ECC notes.

Severe Penalties

Experts, still cited in the press release from the Franco-German organization, stress that “drivers [will need to] wait several hours” before driving. “Immediately after consuming cannabis, the THC level per milliliter of blood can vary from 10 to 150 ng/ml. This concentration drops within a few hours for occasional users but can remain elevated for longer periods for ‘regular users,'” adds the ECC.

Anyone driving while exceeding the new legal threshold will logically face “severe penalties,” including a fine of 500 euros, which may be accompanied by a one-month driving ban. If the individual is also under the influence of alcohol, the fine doubles. These penalties apply to all drivers “regardless of their nationality or place of residence.”

Zero Tolerance for Drivers Under 21

Zero tolerance remains in effect for young drivers, the European Consumer Center continues. “Those under 21 years old, and those who have had their license for less than two years, are strictly prohibited from driving after consuming cannabis” and risk a fine of 250 euros if they do. “Police officers are authorized to conduct saliva tests to detect traces of THC” and may “order a blood test if there is doubt” about the driver’s condition.

Elsewhere in Europe, driving after consuming cannabis is allowed in the Netherlands (3 ng/ml of blood), Belgium, Ireland, and Denmark (1 ng/ml of blood). In France, “it is prohibited to drive” after consuming drugs.

—

(Featured image by Megapixelstock via Pexels)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third-party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Hemp.im, its management, staff, or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in Le Figaro, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Hemp.im assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Hemp.im is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.