- Legal Basis
- § 29 Abs. 1 BtMG
- Sentencing Range
- Imprisonment up to five years or fine
- Summary
- Unlawful possession of narcotic substances
Possession of Narcotics under Section 29(1) of the German Narcotics Act – Overview
Possession of narcotics is one of the most common drug offences in Germany. Section 29(1) No. 3 BtMG (Betäubungsmittelgesetz – German Narcotics Act) criminalises the unauthorised possession of narcotic substances. Even possession of small quantities for personal use is a criminal offence, although proceedings are frequently discontinued in such cases. For expatriates in Germany, it is particularly important to understand that German drug law can be significantly stricter than in some other countries.
Statutory Text (Section 29(1) No. 3 BtMG – Excerpt)
Section 29(1): Whoever possesses narcotics without simultaneously holding a written permit for their acquisition shall be liable to imprisonment of up to five years or a fine.
Elements of the Offence in Detail
Narcotics
Narcotics are the substances and preparations listed in Schedules I to III of the BtMG. These include heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), LSD, and crystal methamphetamine. Cannabis has been subject to the Cannabis Consumption Act (KCanG) since 1 April 2024 and is no longer governed by the BtMG.
Possession
Possession under the BtMG means actual control over the narcotic substance with the will to possess. It suffices that the perpetrator has the ability to dispose of the substance. Joint possession and indirect possession are also covered. Mere consumption is not punishable, but the prior possession necessary for consumption is.
Without Permit
Possession must occur without the required written permit under Section 3 BtMG. A medical prescription constitutes such a permit.
Typical Methods of Commission
Common scenarios include: possession for personal use (discovered during personal checks), discovery during house searches, possession connected to acquisitive crime, discovery during traffic stops, parcel deliveries containing narcotics, and joint possession in shared accommodation.
Sentencing Range
The basic offence carries imprisonment of up to five years or a fine. For small quantities for personal use, the prosecution may discontinue proceedings under Section 31a BtMG. Threshold values vary by federal state and substance. For quantities that are not small (Section 29a BtMG), the minimum sentence is one year’s imprisonment.
Typical Defence Strategies
Key defence approaches include: seeking discontinuation under Section 31a BtMG for small quantities, challenging the will to possess (knowledge of the substance), exclusion of evidence from unlawful searches or seizures, therapy instead of punishment (Section 35 BtMG – deferral of sentence execution), challenging the attribution of the discovered substance to the accused, and reviewing the quantity determination through laboratory analysis.
Typical case groups in possession of narcotics (§ 29 BtMG)
Since the partial legalisation of cannabis, the legal situation has changed considerably. For the defence, the type and quantity of the substance, personal use and the consequences for the driving licence are decisive.
Small quantity for personal use
For possession of small quantities for personal use, the proceedings can be discontinued under § 31a BtMG or § 29(5) BtMG. What counts as a „small quantity“ varies by substance and federal state; North Rhine-Westphalia has its own administrative guidance.
Cannabis under the new law
With the Cannabis Act (KCanG), the possession of certain quantities is permitted for adults under conditions. Outside these limits, possession remains punishable. We explain the details on our page on cannabis and the new legal situation.
Consequences for the driving licence
Even if the criminal proceedings are discontinued, the licensing authority may examine doubts about fitness and order an MPU. Criminal and licensing consequences must be considered separately.
Note: This information is general and does not replace advice in an individual case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ist der Besitz von Cannabis überhaupt noch strafbar?
Seit Inkrafttreten des Konsumcannabisgesetzes ist der Besitz bestimmter Mengen Cannabis für Erwachsene unter Voraussetzungen straffrei. Oberhalb der Grenzen sowie bei allen anderen Betäubungsmitteln bleibt der Besitz nach § 29 BtMG strafbar. Die genauen Mengen- und Ortsgrenzen sind im Einzelfall zu prüfen.
Kann das Verfahren bei geringer Menge eingestellt werden?
Bei geringen Mengen zum Eigenverbrauch kommt eine Einstellung nach § 31a BtMG oder nach §§ 153, 153a StPO in Betracht. Ob das gelingt, hängt von Menge, Substanz und Vorbelastung ab.
Was sollte ich nach einer Search Warrant wegen BtM tun?
Machen Sie keine Angaben zur Sache und schalten Sie umgehend einen Verteidiger ein. Wir prüfen die Rechtmäßigkeit der Search Warrant und die Verwertbarkeit der Funde.
Muss ich zur Polizei, wenn ich als Beschuldigter vorgeladen werde?
Einer rein polizeilichen Police Summons müssen Sie als Beschuldigter nicht folgen, und Sie sind nie verpflichtet, sich zur Sache zu äußern. Einer Ladung der Staatsanwaltschaft oder des Gerichts sollten Sie folgen – schweigen dürfen Sie aber auch dort.
Sollte ich vor der Akteneinsicht aussagen?
In aller Regel nein. Ohne Kenntnis der Ermittlungsakte lässt sich nicht beurteilen, welche Beweise vorliegen. Eine Einlassung sollte erst nach Akteneinsicht und in Abstimmung mit dem Verteidiger erfolgen.
Kann ein Strafverfahren eingestellt werden?
Ja. Je nach Beweislage kommen eine Einstellung mangels hinreichenden Tatverdachts (§ 170 II StPO), wegen Geringfügigkeit (§ 153 StPO) oder gegen Auflagen (§ 153a StPO) in Betracht. Nach Akteneinsicht prüfen wir die Möglichkeiten.
Summons or accusation of Drug Possession? What matters now
Make no statement to the police at first
As an accused person you are never obliged to comment on the allegation. Anything said to the police can be used against you. Provide statements only through your defense attorney and only after reviewing the case file.
File inspection comes first
A sound defense against the allegation of Drug Possession requires knowledge of the investigation file. Only once the available evidence is clear can we decide whether a statement is advisable or whether remaining silent is the better strategy.
Possible discontinuation of proceedings
Not every case ends in a main hearing. Depending on the evidence and any prior record, the proceedings may be discontinued for lack of sufficient suspicion (§ 170 II StPO), for triviality (§ 153 StPO) or subject to conditions (§ 153a StPO). Often a penalty order without a public trial can be achieved.
Victim-offender mediation and restitution
In many cases, victim-offender mediation or making good the damage (§ 46a StGB) can significantly reduce the sentence or enable a discontinuation. Whether this is advisable in your case is something we assess based on the file.
What we do after reviewing the file
We examine the evidence for reliability and admissibility, look for procedural errors, develop the defense strategy, negotiate with the public prosecutor on a discontinuation and represent you, if necessary, in the main hearing before the District Court or Regional Court of Bonn.
Available 24/7: +49 228 504 463 36
This information does not replace a review of the individual case. In criminal proceedings, the defence strategy depends substantially on the case file, the specific allegation and the evidence.
Why BAFTEH Strafverteidigung?
- Direct contact with your defense attorney – no intermediaries
- Available around the clock, including nights and weekends
- Fast file inspection and a clear defense strategy
- Focused exclusively on criminal law
- Defense in Bonn, Cologne and the entire region
Written by attorney Philip Bafteh, criminal defense lawyer in Bonn. Philip Bafteh publishes regularly on criminal and commercial law and defends accused persons in investigative and trial proceedings.
More about the attorney →Last updated: Juni 2026
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