Just days after Germany's recreational cannabis law came into effect, officials in Bavaria are pushing back with plans to restrict its use in public spaces. Among the key areas being targeted is Munich's iconic Oktoberfest beer festival, where authorities want to prohibit cannabis consumption entirely.

The initiative is being led by Bavaria’s conservative CSU party, which has long opposed the federal government’s move to legalise marijuana. The state government issued a statement explaining its intention to “limit the public consumption of cannabis despite the federal government’s dangerous legalisation law.”

This resistance highlights the ongoing tensions between regional and federal approaches to cannabis regulation, particularly in more conservative parts of the country.

Oktoberfest organisers support cannabis-free policy

Clemens Baumgärtner, who oversees Oktoberfest, has voiced clear support for banning cannabis at the event. Speaking to German media, he said that marijuana use would be out of place at the family-friendly festival. “A family festival like the Oktoberfest and cannabis consumption don’t go together,” he explained.

Held annually in Munich, Oktoberfest draws millions of visitors from around the world. While it is known for its beer, the festival also places a strong emphasis on tradition, safety and family appeal. Organisers believe that allowing cannabis consumption could undermine that atmosphere and complicate crowd management and public health efforts.

Broader public bans proposed across Bavaria

Beyond Oktoberfest, the proposed restrictions would apply to a wide range of public venues throughout Bavaria. If implemented, cannabis use would be banned in popular social spaces such as beer gardens, public festivals and restaurant terraces.

Health Minister Judith Gerlach echoed the government’s concerns, stating: “Our aim is to limit cannabis consumption in public spaces. That is important for health protection and especially for protecting children and young people.” Her comments underline a key argument from Bavarian officials—that the restrictions are about safeguarding public health and maintaining safe environments, especially for younger residents.

Premier Markus Söder, also of the CSU, reinforced this message, saying that the state is taking steps to “strengthen the protection of children and young people.”

Legal tensions highlight regional divide

Germany's new cannabis law, which came into effect on 1 April, gives the country some of the most liberal marijuana regulations in Europe. It allows adults to possess and consume limited amounts of cannabis for personal use. However, the law also gives individual states the authority to regulate where consumption is permitted.

This flexibility has opened the door for conservative states like Bavaria to push back by enforcing stricter local rules. The CSU’s opposition to legalisation reflects broader concerns among traditional and family-focused communities, where public drug use remains controversial.

As Germany adapts to its new cannabis framework, Bavaria's efforts to introduce public bans signal that enforcement will vary significantly across regions. For now, Oktoberfest could become a high-profile example of how local governments are reshaping cannabis policy in response to national reform.