Male hemp plants do not contain THC . So one could assume that growing them in German gardens is not a problem. This article explains what the law is and how hemp thrives best in the garden.
Hemp in the garden – is it even allowed?
The short answer to this question is: no. Both the cultivation of female and male hemp plants is prohibited under German law. Anyone caught doing so is violating the Narcotics Act . This also applies if the plants do not bloom or were not grown for harvest at all. The violation is punishable by fines or imprisonment.
The ban goes so far that even randomly growing plants have to be destroyed. You should always report the discovery to the police beforehand. This prevents neighbors from becoming aware of the typical smell of hemp, for example. If you don't do this, there is always suspicion of cultivation and therefore a criminal offense. However, as almost always, there are exceptions.
People who want to use hemp for a medical indication are allowed to grow some plants in the garden. However, you need a special permit, which is only issued in Germany in extremely rare cases .
What about industrial hemp?
The hemp plant is not only valued for its intoxicating effects. Industrial hemp is also suitable for producing CBD oil or is used as a medicinal plant. However, this cultivation is also prohibited in Germany.
Only farmers are allowed to grow hemp as a crop . But they also need a separate right to do this in the form of a permit. Private individuals are then allowed to purchase the industrial hemp from them.
Tips for growing
Above all, hemp plants need a lot of sun to thrive. Particularly early varieties such as Honey Cream Fast Flowering or Northern Light are particularly suitable for Germany. In addition to warmth and light , nutrient-rich, loose soil is also helpful. If it is too tight, you should loosen it as deeply as possible before sowing, as the taproots penetrate up to 3 m deep. Nutrient-poor soils can be improved with potting soil. An acidic environment is neutralized with a little lime.
Sowing takes place around April. In the following months the plant will grow to a height of up to 4 m. Depending on the variety, their harvest time varies between July and September. Additional fertilizer, plant protection or weed killers are not necessary . The hemp plant itself suppresses weed growth quite effectively.
Artificial irrigation is usually not necessary either. The plant gets its water from the soil even during prolonged drought. However, waterlogging is not tolerated.
In order not to bother the neighbors with the typical smell of hemp, you can switch to varieties that smell less . These are, for example, Jack Herer, the early variety Northern Light, or Quick One. The papaya variety even smells strikingly fruity, just like papaya. However, it was bred specifically for indoor cultivation .
Conclusion
Growing hemp in your own garden is still prohibited. Even randomly grown plants must be reported to the police and removed. Only farmers and people who have a medical indication can obtain the right to grow hemp through special permits.
If you receive this permit, cultivation is quite easy: the hemp plant thrives very well in nutrient-rich, loose soil. It also requires plenty of sun to grow up to 4 m from April to September and requires no artificial irrigation.
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