The cultivation of hemp plants in Germany is currently prohibited for private individuals (as of August 2022). Regardless of gender and the THC content of the plant. Information about this is available from the German Hemp Association . An exception is only possible with special permission . In this case, the cultivation and harvesting of hemp is permitted. However, such approval is only granted in very rare cases (e.g. cultivation for research or cultivation by pain patients who cannot afford medical marijuana). German law sees cultivation without authorization as a violation of the Narcotics Act, and the cultivation of hemp plants is therefore a punishable offense .
Hemp as a houseplant
Anyone who sees hemp as a decorative ornamental plant is rarely taken seriously. In fact, hemp plants - throwing prejudices aside - are actually beautiful plants. An alternative would be industrial hemp with a THC content of less than 0.3%. However, the plants reach heights of up to five meters , which is why the limits of what is possible are quickly reached, even in old apartments. Even though these extreme heights only occur under optimal conditions, there are ways to keep the hemp plant in check. Wild growth can be counteracted with a small pot size, a lack of fertilizer, a nearby light source and appropriate ventilation. But industrial hemp also produces flowers that smell like its THC-containing relatives. And industrial hemp is currently banned as a houseplant in Germany.
Hemp plants are easy to care for
Hemp plants that are intended to be kept as houseplants have a big advantage over other plants: they are quite easy to care for . In order not to “asparagus” – i.e. grow long and thin – hemp plants need a place in the sun. Hemp only begins to flower if the plant receives less than 18 hours of daylight .
And another advantage: the smell of hemp deters mosquitoes and other insects . A good reason to grow hemp as a houseplant.
Hemp as a houseplant – versatile uses, without any intoxication
Industrial hemp does not cause a high like cannabis plants containing THC do. Harvesting the leaves would be completely legal. These can be used together with other herbs such as mint and lemon balm to make a delicious fresh tea, which is why hemp is also an attractive kitchen plant.
Dispose of hemp plants correctly
Anyone who is allowed to grow hemp plants with special permission will have to dispose of them sooner or later if they die. Green waste also needs to be disposed of regularly. In order not to make any mistakes during disposal and to avoid the characteristic odor , there are a few things to consider. It is advisable to cut or chop the plant into small pieces and then mix it with other kitchen waste. If possible, the remains of the plant should end up in organic waste first and be covered with other waste. The composting process, accelerated by heat, causes the plant to rot quickly.
Hemp plants as houseplants – an ornament
Because of their appearance, hemp plants are certainly an ornament and are also suitable as house plants . However, so far no industrial hemp can be legally grown in Germany - neither in the garden nor in the home . Anyone who is caught will face criminal penalties unless they have a special permit for cultivation. With the legalization of cannabis, the legal situation regarding cultivation could also change in the future.
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