TL;DR — The short answer up front: "Legal drug" is not a uniform legal term in Germany — it describes anything that is neither prohibited under the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG) Narcotics Act nor under the Neue-psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetz (NpSG) Novel Psychoactive Substances Act. The term covers a broad spectrum — from everyday substances like caffeine and alcohol to ethnobotanical plants and novel lysergamide analogues. Here is what you need to know:
- "Legal" is multi-tiered: Freely available (alcohol, caffeine), pharmacy-only (codeine, modafinil), prescription-only (medical cannabis), or regulated outside BtMG/NpSG (ethnobotanicals, certain lysergamides).
- Most important legal psychoactive substance classes in 2026: Classic stimulants (caffeine, nicotine), ethnobotanicals (kratom, blue lotus, kanna, iboga, rapé, damiana, Salvia divinorum), cannabinoids (CBD, cannabis under the CanG Cannabis Act), lysergamide analogues (1cP-LSD, 1V-LSD, and others), fly agaric alkaloids (muscimol).
- What changed between 2024 and 2026: Cannabis was partially legalised under the Cannabisgesetz (CanG) Cannabis Act in April 2024; lysergamide analogues such as 1V-LSD were added to the NpSG in the interim, while new analogues (1FE-LSD, 1BP-LSD, and others) currently still fall outside the NpSG — the legal situation is dynamic.
- Who sells what: Pharmacies (pharmaceuticals), smartshops (ethnobotanicals, lysergamides), drugstores and supermarkets (alcohol, caffeine, tobacco).
- Where amama stands: amama.space is a Berlin-based smartshop with an ethnobotanical focus that exclusively offers products compliant with BtMG and NpSG, and places value on science-based education.
- Safety note: Legal does not mean risk-free. All psychoactive substances — including freely available ones — can cause harm when used improperly. Informed decisions protect.
- Not medical advice: This article is intended for educational purposes, not diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
What Does "Legal Drug" Mean?
The word "drug" is not a precisely defined term under German law. In everyday speech it refers to psychoactive substances — in pharmacy, however, "Droge" classically denotes dried plant material used for medicinal purposes (e.g. chamomile flowers). For the legal question, what matters is not the term itself but whether a substance is listed in the relevant legislation.
In Germany, the legality of psychoactive substances falls into four tiers:
1. Freely Available
Substances obtainable without any restriction in supermarkets, kiosks, or online. These include alcohol (from age 16 or 18), tobacco and nicotine (from age 18), caffeine (in coffee, tea, energy drinks), sugar, and various herbal teas and dietary supplements. These substances are psychoactive — but so socially normalised that their nature as drugs is often not perceived.
2. Pharmacy-Only (Without Prescription)
Certain substances with psychoactive potential are available exclusively in pharmacies, but without a doctor's prescription: diphenhydramine (sleep aids), low-dose codeine (in cough syrups), dextromethorphan (DXM, in cough preparations), and — depending on dosage — phenibut in some dietary supplements.
3. Prescription-Only
These substances require a doctor's prescription. They are legal but accessible only under medical supervision: modafinil, methylphenidate (Ritalin), opioids such as buprenorphine or methadone, and — since the 2024 cannabis reform — THC-containing cannabis flowers on prescription.
4. Regulated Outside BtMG and NpSG
This category is the most relevant for smartshops and those interested in ethnobotany. Substances and plants that are listed neither in the BtMG (Schedules I–III) nor in the NpSG occupy a legal space — albeit one that can change quickly. Currently included are: kratom, blue lotus, iboga (the plant), rapé, kanna, damiana, Salvia divinorum (not yet prohibited in Germany), Amanita muscaria (fly agaric / muscimol), and various lysergamide analogues such as 1cP-LSD, 1FE-LSD, and 1BP-LSD.
What is illegal? BtMG Schedule I lists non-trafficable narcotics: LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), MDMA, psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, mescaline, heroin, cocaine, and many others. Schedule II covers trafficable but non-prescribable substances; Schedule III covers prescribable narcotics. The NpSG (in force since 2016) captures entire substance classes — for example certain synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and lysergamides — thereby making not just individual substances but whole groups of compounds illegal.
Overview Table: What Is Legal in Germany in 2026?
| Substance | Category | Status in Germany 2026 | Available at amama |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | Stimulant | Freely available | No (not a focus) |
| Nicotine / Tobacco | Stimulant | Freely available (18+) | No |
| Alcohol (Ethanol) | Sedative | Freely available (16/18+) | No |
| Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) | Ethnobotanical | Legal, not in BtMG/NpSG | Yes |
| Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) | Ethnobotanical | Legal | Yes |
| Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga, plant) | Ethnobotanical | Legal (ibogaine is in BtMG) | Yes |
| Rapé (Hapé) | Ethnobotanical | Legal | Yes |
| Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) | Ethnobotanical | Legal | Yes |
| Damiana (Turnera diffusa) | Ethnobotanical | Legal | Yes |
| Salvia divinorum | Ethnobotanical | Legal (not yet listed) | Yes |
| Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric) | Fungi | Legal (muscimol not in BtMG) | Yes |
| CBD (Cannabidiol) | Cannabinoid | Legal (<0.2% THC) | No (not a focus) |
| Cannabis (recreational, CanG) | Cannabinoid | Partially legalised since April 2024 | No |
| HHC | Cannabinoid derivative | Legal grey zone | No |
| THCP / THCH | Cannabinoid derivative | Grey zone, shifting across Europe | No |
| 1cP-LSD | Lysergamide analogue | Legal (not in NpSG, as of 2026) | Yes |
| 1FE-LSD | Lysergamide analogue | Legal (not in NpSG, as of 2026) | Yes |
| 1BP-LSD | Lysergamide analogue | Legal (not in NpSG, as of 2026) | Yes |
| 1S-LSD | Lysergamide analogue | Legal (not in NpSG, as of 2026) | Yes |
| 1T-LSD | Lysergamide analogue | Legal (not in NpSG, as of 2026) | Yes |
| 1D-AL-LAD | Lysergamide analogue | Legal (not in NpSG, as of 2026) | Yes |
| 1V-LSD | Lysergamide analogue | In NpSG since 2022 — illegal | No |
| LSD (classic) | Psychedelic | BtMG Schedule I — illegal | No |
| MDMA | Entactogen | BtMG Schedule I — illegal | No |
| Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms | Psychedelic | BtMG Schedule I — illegal | No |
| DMT | Psychedelic | BtMG Schedule I — illegal | No |
| Mescaline | Psychedelic | BtMG Schedule I — illegal | No |
| Cocaine | Stimulant | BtMG Schedule I — illegal | No |
| Heroin | Opioid | BtMG Schedule I — illegal | No |
| Khat (Catha edulis) | Stimulant | BtMG Schedule I — illegal in Germany | No |
| Phenibut | Anxiolytic | Grey zone (dietary supplement in Germany) | No |
| Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) | Dissociative | Legal as food additive; recreational use regulated | No |
| Poppers (Alkyl Nitrites) | Vasodilator | Legal (not as a medicine) | No |
Note: This table reflects the state of knowledge as of April 2026. The NpSG empowers the federal government to prohibit new substance classes by statutory order without parliamentary debate. Changes can occur at short notice. Always verify the current legal situation before purchasing.
Detailed Categories
1. Botanical Ethnobotanicals
Ethnobotany is the science of traditional relationships between humans and plants. The following plants have been used for centuries or millennia in their cultures of origin and are currently legally available in Germany — provided they are not advertised as medicines.
#### Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
Kratom is a tree from South-East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia) whose leaves contain the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. At low doses kratom acts as a stimulant; at higher doses it is sedating and analgesic. Kratom is not listed in Germany's BtMG or NpSG and is therefore legally available — a status being monitored by authorities. Traditionally, field workers in South-East Asia chew kratom leaves to combat fatigue. In Western markets it is sold primarily as a powder or in capsules. Interactions with opioids and other substances are documented; cautious dosing is strongly recommended. amama carries curated kratom products; detailed information can be found in the Kratom Guide.
#### Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea)
The blue lotus — also known as the blue water lily — is one of the oldest ritually used plants in the world and was deeply embedded in the religious and festive practices of ancient Egypt. The primary active compounds apomorphine and nuciferine have dopaminergic and mildly serotonergic properties. Subjectively described effects include mild relaxation, a slightly euphoric mood, and sedating qualities — without hallucinogenic potential at usual quantities. From a legal standpoint, blue lotus is entirely unproblematic in Germany. Find out more in the Blue Lotus Guide at amama.
#### Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga)
The iboga plant from Central Africa is the ceremonial plant of the Bwiti tradition in present-day Gabon and Cameroon. Its primary alkaloid ibogaine is listed in Germany's BtMG as a pure substance — however, the plant itself (bark, powder in non-isolated form) is not currently prohibited. This distinction is important: possession of ibogaine extract can be a criminal offence; possession of the plant root bark operates in a different legal space. Due to its intensity and cardiovascular risks, iboga is not a plant for the unprepared — prior medical assessment is strongly recommended. The Iboga Guide provides in-depth information.
#### Rapé (Hapé)
Rapé (pronounced "ha-PAY") is a ceremonial nasal snuff blend from the Amazon region, used in rituals by indigenous communities of Brazil and Peru for centuries. The base is typically mapacho (wild tobacco, Nicotiana rustica), mixed with wood ash residues and other plants. The effect is strongly stimulating and grounding; the nicotine content is considerably higher than in consumer tobacco. Rapé is legal in Germany. amama carries selected rapé blends with transparent provenance; the Rapé Guide explains tradition, application, and safety information.
#### Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum)
Kanna is a South African succulent traditionally used by the Khoisan peoples as a mood enhancer and anxiolytic. The active alkaloids mesembrenone and mesembrine inhibit serotonin reuptake (SSRI-like mechanism) and additionally act as PDE4 inhibitors. Kanna is considered a mildly psychoactive plant — discreet, well tolerated, but with clinically relevant interactions with other serotonergic substances and antidepressants. Kanna is not listed in Germany and is legally available.
#### Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Damiana is a shrub from Mexico and Central America with a long tradition as an aphrodisiac and mood enhancer. Its phytochemical composition is complex; scientific evidence for pronounced psychoactive effects in humans is limited. Damiana is commonly consumed as a tea or extract and is completely legal in Germany.
#### Salvia divinorum
Salvia divinorum is a Mexican mint from the Sierra Mazateca, where it is used by Mazatec shamans in healing rituals. The primary active compound salvinorin A is the most potent naturally occurring kappa-opioid receptor agonist and produces intense, short-lived dissociative experiences. In Germany, Salvia divinorum is not yet listed in the BtMG or NpSG — in contrast to countries such as the USA (prohibited in many states), the United Kingdom, or Australia. This plant has considerable psychedelic potential; unprepared or uncontrolled use carries real risks.
2. Cannabis & Cannabinoids
#### Partial Legalisation of Cannabis (CanG, since April 2024)
The Cannabisgesetz (CanG) Cannabis Act came into force in April 2024 and marks a historic turning point in German drug policy. Adults aged 18 and over may now:
- carry up to 25 g of cannabis in public,
- possess up to 50 g (home-grown cannabis) at home,
- cultivate up to 3 cannabis plants for personal use,
- become members of licensed Cannabis Social Clubs and obtain cannabis there.
Commercial retail sales are not yet open to all — pilot schemes are in planning. Medical cannabis on prescription continues to be available through pharmacies (approved since 2017, further facilitated in 2024).
#### CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is the non-psychoactive primary cannabinoid of the hemp plant. Products containing less than 0.2% THC are legal in Germany as dietary supplements, cosmetics, or hemp products. CBD itself has no intoxicating effect but shows anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties in studies.
#### HHC, THCP, THCH
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and related derivatives are in a European regulatory grey zone. They are currently not listed in Germany's NpSG, but some EU countries have already introduced national prohibitions. amama does not carry these substances; anyone interested in their legal status should consult up-to-date sources.
3. Lysergamides — 1cP-LSD, 1V-LSD, 1FE-LSD, and Others
Lysergamides are a class of psychedelic substances structurally related to lysergic acid — the core scaffold of classic LSD. Classic LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) has been listed in Germany's BtMG Schedule I for decades and is therefore illegal.
In recent years chemists have developed structural analogues that differ through acyl groups on the nitrogen and resemble LSD in their effects without falling under the BtMG. The NpSG has captured some of these substances — for example 1V-LSD (since 2022) — while others currently still fall outside the law.
Currently not listed in the NpSG (as of April 2026):
- 1cP-LSD (1-cyclopropanoyl-LSD) — one of the best-known and longest legally available compounds in Germany
- 1S-LSD (1-propanoyl-LSD)
- 1T-LSD (1-tert-butanoyl-LSD)
- 1FE-LSD (1-(2-fluoroethanoyl)-LSD)
- 1BP-LSD (1-butyryl-LSD)
- 1D-AL-LAD
The research community discusses these substances as "prodrugs" of LSD — meaning they may be metabolised in the body into LSD. The legal situation is based on the wording of the NpSG, which defines substance classes. Whether a specific new compound falls under an existing NpSG class can be legally complex and should, if in doubt, be assessed by legal experts.
⚠️ Important note: The NpSG empowers the federal government to list new substances by statutory order — without parliamentary debate. The legal status of individual lysergamide analogues can change at very short notice. Always check the current situation before making any decisions.
A detailed chronicle of lysergamide regulation in Germany can be found in the article Chronicle of LSD Analogues at amama. The complete lysergamide collection is available at Lysergamides at amama.
4. Fungi and Fungal Compounds
#### Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms — Illegal
Psilocybin and psilocin — the active compounds in so-called magic mushrooms — are listed in Germany's BtMG Schedule I. Possession, trafficking, and cultivation are criminal offences. In research, psilocybin is showing promising results for treatment-resistant depression (including studies from Imperial College London and Johns Hopkins), but has not yet been approved as a therapeutic option in Germany.
#### Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric) — Legal
The fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) contains the active compounds muscimol and ibotenic acid. Muscimol is a potent GABA-A receptor agonist and produces sedating, dissociative, and dream-like states — biochemically completely different from psilocybin. Muscimol is not listed in Germany's BtMG or NpSG. Dried fly agaric, extracts, and muscimol preparations are legally available. Detailed information is provided in the Muscimol Compound Profile on amama.
Safety note: Ibotenic acid (a precursor to muscimol) is neurotoxic and is present in raw fly agaric. Proper preparation (drying at low temperatures, optionally decarboxylation) reduces ibotenic acid in favour of muscimol.
5. Synthetic Substances / "Legal Highs"
The term "legal highs" refers to synthetic psychoactive substances developed to circumvent prohibitions. Until 2016, Germany saw a flood of such products — synthetic cannabinoids ("spice"), cathinones ("bath salts"), NBOMe compounds, and others.
The NpSG, which came into force in November 2016, largely ended this market in Germany. Rather than prohibiting individual substances, it bans substance classes — an approach that makes deliberate "evasion" through minor molecular modifications considerably harder. In this respect the NpSG differs fundamentally from the BtMG's principle of listing individual substances.
There is currently no legal market for synthetic "legal highs" in the traditional sense in Germany. Lysergamide analogues and certain ethnobotanicals now fill the role that "legal highs" once played — albeit with different safety profiles and cultural contexts.
6. Pharmaceutical "Legal Drugs"
Pharmacies are the most frequently overlooked source of legally obtainable psychoactive substances:
- Codeine (OTC cough syrups at low dosages): Mildly opioid, susceptible to misuse
- Diphenhydramine (OTC sleep aids): Antihistamine with sedating effect, deliriant at high doses
- Dextromethorphan (DXM) (in cough preparations): Dissociative at high doses (NMDA antagonist), structurally related to ketamine
- Modafinil: Prescription-only; wakefulness-promoting effect, well known among students
- Phenibut: GABA-B agonist; approved as a medicine in Russia, available in Germany as a dietary supplement in a grey zone; dependence potential is clinically established
Not to be overlooked: alcohol (~3 million people dependent on alcohol in Germany), nicotine, and caffeine are the most societally significant legal drugs — pharmacologically active substances with tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal potential.
"Buying Legal Drugs" — Where to Buy, What to Consider
Overview of Purchase Locations
Pharmacy: For all prescription and pharmacy-only substances. Expert advice, legally regulated quality. A doctor's prescription is mandatory for prescription-only substances.
Smartshop: Specialist shops for ethnobotanicals, herbs, fungi, and (in certain countries) mushroom truffles or lysergamides. In Germany, a smartshop like amama.space specialises in legal products that are compliant with BtMG and NpSG. Reputable smartshops place value on transparent provenance, laboratory analyses, and factual information.
Online retail: The most convenient route for many ethnobotanicals and lysergamides. Important: only buy from suppliers that offer independent lab tests (CoA — Certificate of Analysis), transparent provenance information, and clear legal classification.
Drugstore / supermarket: Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and (low-dose) CBD products are available here.
What Sets Reputable Suppliers Apart
- Lab tests (CoA): Every product should be tested for purity and constituents by an independent laboratory.
- Legal transparency: The supplier communicates clearly why a substance is legal and updates this assessment when laws change.
- No health claims: Legal products in Germany may not be marketed as medicines. Anyone promising miracle cures is acting not only dishonestly but potentially illegally.
- Age verification: Reputable suppliers restrict access to adults (18+).
- Education-oriented: Good suppliers provide information that enables informed decisions — as you are seeing right now.
COLLECTION-GRID: lysergamide
COLLECTION-GRID: rape
Country Comparison: Which Drugs Are Legal Where?
| Germany | Netherlands | Czech Republic | Portugal | Switzerland | USA (federal) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis (recreational) | Partially legalised (CanG 2024) | Tolerated (coffeeshops), not legal | Decriminalised (up to 15 g) | Decriminalised | Varies by canton | Illegal (federal); many states legal |
| Psilocybin | Illegal (BtMG I) | Illegal; truffles tolerated | Decriminalised | Decriminalised | Clinical trials | Illegal (federal); Oregon, Colorado: regulated |
| Magic Truffles | Illegal | Legal, freely available | — | — | — | — |
| MDMA therapy | No approval | No approval | — | — | Permitted in clinical trials | Phase 3 trials (FDA process stalled) |
| Lysergamide analogues (e.g. 1cP-LSD) | Legal (not in NpSG, as of 2026) | Grey zone | Grey zone | Grey zone | Grey zone | Grey zone (Federal Analogue Act) |
| Khat | Illegal (BtMG I) | Illegal | Illegal | Decriminalised | Illegal | Illegal |
| Classic LSD | Illegal (BtMG I) | Illegal | Decriminalised | Decriminalised | Illegal | Illegal |
"Which Country Has All Drugs Legal?"
This question appears regularly in search engines. The honest answer: no country in the world has fully legalised all drugs. Even the most liberal jurisdictions regulate psychoactive substances in one way or another. What differs is the degree and form of regulation:
Portugal is the most frequently cited example: since 2001, possession of all drugs for personal use in small quantities has been decriminalised — meaning no criminal prosecution, but drugs remain illegal. Instead, a dissuasion system with counselling services applies. Trafficking and production remain criminal offences. Portugal is regarded as a model for evidence-based drug policy.
Czech Republic (Prague): Personal use of small quantities of various substances is decriminalised. Prague has a reputation as a tolerant drug tourism destination — de jure, possession of small amounts is a misdemeanour; de facto, prosecution is rare. Buying and selling remain illegal.
Netherlands: The "gedoogbeleid" (tolerance policy) permits the purchase of cannabis in coffeeshops and the sale of magic truffles (containing psilocybin) in "smartshops" — formally still not legal, but tolerated. This is not legalisation but pragmatic tolerance.
Oregon and Colorado (USA): Oregon legalised psilocybin-assisted therapy in 2020 (Measure 109), Colorado in 2022 (Proposition 122). These reforms are limited and regulated — not a free market, but licensed therapeutic contexts.
"Drugs Legal and Illegal" — The Grey Zone Substances
Between clearly legal and clearly illegal there exist substances whose status is unclear, in flux, or interpreted differently from one authority to the next:
- HHC, THCP, THCH: Cannabinoid derivatives that do not fall under the BtMG but are on the European regulatory radar. Some EU countries have already introduced prohibitions.
- Salvia divinorum: Not yet prohibited in Germany, but increasingly regulated internationally.
- Phenibut: A medicine in Russia, available in Germany as a dietary supplement — with clinically relevant dependence potential.
- Khat (Catha edulis): Listed in Germany's BtMG Schedule I (cathinone as active substance), but culturally established and locally legal in some countries (e.g. Yemen, Ethiopia).
- Nitrous oxide (dinitrogen monoxide): Legal as a food additive; recreational use increasingly regulated (prohibited in some EU countries). No specific anti-consumption regulation in Germany yet.
- Poppers (alkyl nitrites): Legal as room aromas or cleaning agents; known as a sex drug; no prescription required, but not approved as a medicine.
- Next-generation lysergamide analogues: With each NpSG extension, new analogues emerge — the grey zone continuously shifts.
- Iboga extracts: The plant is legal; ibogaine as a pure substance is in the BtMG. Where does "extract" begin? Legally unclear.
- Headshop blends: Many products labelled as "bath salts", "air fresheners", or "herbal blends" contain prohibited substances — purchasing is risky and often a criminal offence.
- The word "drug" itself: Legally imprecise. Medically, colloquially, and legally, "drug" means different things — contributing to considerable societal confusion.
Safety & Education
⚠️ Important: Legal does not mean safe.
Alcohol is one of the most dangerous psychoactive substances in the world — not because of illegality, but because of availability, dosage, and social normalisation. Nicotine dependence is one of the most persistent addictive disorders. Kratom has real dependence potential with regular use. Even coffee can cause cardiac arrhythmias with excessive consumption.
Principles for safe use of psychoactive substances (legal and illegal alike):
- Set & setting: State of mind and environment are decisive for the outcome of psychedelic experiences (a concept introduced by Timothy Leary, now clinically established).
- Dosage: Start with the lowest effective dose. Many problems arise from overdosing, not from the substance itself.
- Contraindications: Heart conditions, liver or kidney problems, and pre-existing psychiatric conditions (particularly psychosis or bipolar disorder) can significantly increase risk.
- Interactions: Particularly critical are MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) — classic antidepressants, moclobemide, and also herbal ones such as passionflower. Combining these with kratom, kanna, ayahuasca, or psychedelics can lead to life-threatening reactions (serotonin syndrome, hypertensive crisis).
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No psychoactive substance should be taken during pregnancy without medical consultation.
- No mixing: Polydrug use increases risks disproportionately.
Information resources:
- drugcom.de (BZgA — Federal Centre for Health Education)
- mindzone.info (Harm Reduction Bavaria)
- Erowid.org (international substance database, English)
- EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction)
- Drug checking services offered by local drug support organisations (Berlin: Release, Fixpunkt, and others)
FAQ — 12 Common Questions
1. Which drugs are legal in Germany?
Legally "legal" are all psychoactive substances not listed in the BtMG (Schedules I–III) or the NpSG. These include alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, many ethnobotanicals (kratom, kanna, blue lotus), certain lysergamide analogues (1cP-LSD and others), and muscimol (fly agaric). The complete list is not static — the law changes.
2. Are legal drugs safe?
No — legal does not mean safe. Alcohol, for example, is legal and causes tens of thousands of deaths in Germany every year. Kratom, kanna, and lysergamide analogues also carry risks. Informed, cautious use is essential with any psychoactive substance.
3. Where can I buy legal drugs?
Depending on the substance: in pharmacies (pharmaceuticals), supermarkets (alcohol, caffeine), smartshops (ethnobotanicals, lysergamides), or online from reputable retailers with verified lab tests and clear legal documentation. amama.space is one example of a specialised Berlin-based smartshop.
4. Are all ethnobotanical plants legal?
Not necessarily. Most classic ethnobotanicals (kratom, kanna, blue lotus, rapé) are currently legal in Germany. However, some plants contain active compounds that are listed in the BtMG (e.g. peyote contains mescaline, ephedra contains ephedrine). Always check the plant and the active compound separately.
5. Is kratom legal in Germany?
Yes. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is listed neither in Germany's BtMG nor in the NpSG and is therefore legally purchasable. The situation is being monitored by authorities and could change — as of April 2026, however, kratom is legal.
6. What is the difference between the BtMG and the NpSG?
The BtMG (Betäubungsmittelgesetz — Narcotics Act) lists specific individual substances and regulates their handling. The NpSG (Neue-Psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetz — Novel Psychoactive Substances Act, in force since 2016) covers entire substance classes and can be extended by statutory order — without a parliamentary vote. The NpSG was created to make deliberate molecular "evasion" more difficult.
7. Are lysergamides like 1cP-LSD really legal?
As far as is known, yes — as of April 2026, 1cP-LSD is not listed in the NpSG or BtMG. However, the legal grey zone is real: an authority could argue that the prodrug concept (metabolism into BtMG-listed substances) is relevant. Prudent consumers and retailers continuously monitor the legal situation.
8. Are legal drugs from the Netherlands allowed in Germany?
Not automatically. Magic truffles are tolerated in the Netherlands and contain psilocybin — which is a BtMG Schedule I substance in Germany. Importing them into Germany would be a criminal offence. Each country has its own laws; what is legal there can be illegal here.
9. What is a "designer drug"?
"Designer drugs" are synthetically produced substances developed to circumvent prohibitions — through minimal molecular modifications of known substances. The NpSG was created in Germany to counter this phenomenon. The term is not legally precise.
10. Are "legal highs" still available?
In the classic sense (synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones as "bath salts") — no. The NpSG largely ended that market in 2016. What is available in smartshops today are ethnobotanicals and lysergamide analogues, with a different legal and safety profile.
11. How do I tell reputable suppliers from dubious ones?
Reputable suppliers offer: independent laboratory analyses (CoA), transparent provenance information, factual product descriptions without health claims, clear age verification, and legal classification of their products. Dubious suppliers sell substances labelled "not for human consumption" without any safety information — a red flag.
12. Does the legal situation change frequently?
Yes. The NpSG allows the federal government to list substance classes by statutory order. Lysergamide analogues have been listed in Germany multiple times (e.g. 1V-LSD in 2022). Cannabis was partially legalised in 2024. The EU monitors the novel substances market. Anyone working with these substances should regularly check up-to-date sources.
What amama Offers
amama.space is a Berlin-based smartshop with an ethnobotanical focus, operating both online and with a Berlin retail location. The range exclusively covers substances and products that are legal under current German law (BtMG, NpSG).
What sets amama apart:
- Compliance focus: All products are checked against the current legal situation. When laws change, the range is adjusted immediately.
- Science-based education: Extensive blog content (pillar articles, substance profiles, plant guides) provides evidence-based information without sales pressure.
- Curated selection: Not a mass market — carefully chosen products with transparent provenance and laboratory verification.
- Ethnobotanical context: amama understands plants and substances within their cultural and traditional context — not purely as a commercial interest.
Key collections at amama:
- Lysergamides — 1cP-LSD, 1FE-LSD, 1BP-LSD, 1S-LSD, and others
- Rapé / Hapé — ceremonial mapacho blends
- Ethnobotanical plants (kratom, kanna, blue lotus, iboga, damiana)
- Fungi (fly agaric / Amanita muscaria)
amama deliberately positions itself not as a "dealer" or "drug delivery service" but as an information and procurement resource for conscious adults who wish to engage with psychoactive substances in an informed and self-responsible way.
Sources & Further Reading
- Current BtMG schedules: Federal Ministry of Health — BtMG
- BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices): www.bfarm.de — responsible for narcotic approvals and classifications
- NpSG (Novel Psychoactive Substances Act): Laws on the Internet — NpSG
- drugcom.de: www.drugcom.de — BZgA education portal for young adults
- mindzone.info: www.mindzone.info — Harm Reduction Bavaria, safer-use information
- EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction): www.emcdda.europa.eu — European early-warning system, substance profiles
- Erowid: www.erowid.org — international substance database, experience reports, pharmacological data (English)
- Cannabis Act (CanG) 2024: Federal Law Gazette — CanG
- DHS (German Centre for Addiction Issues): www.dhs.de — addiction prevention and specialist information
Last updated: April 2026. For educational purposes only. No sales pressure. No medical advice. All statements regarding the legal situation reflect the state of knowledge at the time of the last update and are subject to change. If in doubt, consult a lawyer specialising in narcotics law.
