The 100-Metre Rule Explained
The Cannabisgesetz dictates that consumption is prohibited in the immediate presence of minors. Furthermore, it establishes specific protected zones where consumption is banned "within sight" (in Sichtweite) of the entrance to the facility.
The law clarifies that "within sight" is generally assumed to no longer exist at a distance of more than 100 metres from the entrance area. However, if you are 90 metres away but completely blocked by a solid building, you are likely outside the line of sight. Conversely, if you are in a wide-open field directly facing a school entrance at 105 metres, discretion and caution are highly advised.
The Immediate Presence of Minors
Regardless of whether you are in a "green zone" on a map, it is strictly forbidden to consume cannabis if minors (under 18) are in your immediate vicinity. If a family sits next to you on a park bench, you must stop consuming or relocate.
Berlin Landmarks & Famous Areas
Many tourists ask if they can smoke at specific famous locations. Never assume a park or large square is 100% legal. Most large parks contain hidden playgrounds or are adjacent to schools.
Alexanderplatz
Often heavily restricted due to pedestrian zones (banned 7am-8pm), public transport hub rules, and occasional youth facilities.
Tiergarten
While it is a massive park, it contains multiple scattered playgrounds, sports fields, and borders embassies. You must stay 100m away from these specific spots.
Tempelhofer Feld
A very popular open space, but it features designated public sports areas and play zones. Avoid these specific enclosures and the immediate presence of families.
Brandenburg Gate (Pariser Platz)
A major tourist hub. Depending on the exact spot, it may fall under pedestrian zone restrictions (7am-8pm) and is heavily policed. The presence of children is almost guaranteed.
Görlitzer Park & Mauerpark
Famous for nightlife and open-air culture, but both contain major children's playgrounds right in the middle, creating massive 100m restricted overlapping circles.
Warschauer Straße & RAW-Gelände
Nightlife districts are often outside the 100m rule of schools at night, but individual nightclubs and bars have strict private property rules (Hausrecht) banning indoor smoking.
Private Property vs. Public Space
The 100-metre rule applies primarily to public spaces. However, if you are inside a private business, hotel, restaurant patio, or nightclub, the owner’s Hausrecht (house rules) dictate what is allowed.
- Hotels: The vast majority are non-smoking. Consuming in a room can lead to eviction.
- Beer Gardens/Bars: Many explicitly ban cannabis smoking to protect other patrons or comply with their own policies, even if outdoor cigarette smoking is allowed.
- Train Stations: Deutsche Bahn and BVG have completely banned cannabis consumption in all stations and on platforms.