Germany is emerging as a key player in the global cannabis market, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers from around the world. This was evident at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) held in Berlin, underscoring the country’s position as one of the most dynamic legal cannabis markets today.
Since the introduction of medical cannabis sales in 2017, Germany has made strides in improving access for patients suffering from various ailments. The country’s adult-use cannabis laws, which took effect in mid-2024, have further expanded options for consumers. While some aspects of these regulations are still being refined, Germany currently boasts the most progressive cannabis policies in Europe.
As of now, Germany has over 200,000 registered medical cannabis patients. Leading cannabis economist Beau Whitney notes that this figure has been stable, with an additional 500,000 to 600,000 self-paying consumers participating in the legal market. This brings the total number of legal cannabis users in Germany to approximately 800,000, representing about 10% to 20% of the market’s total demand.
The demand for medical cannabis is reflected in the number of pharmacies now offering these products. Approximately 2,500 of Germany’s 17,000 pharmacies provide access to medical cannabis, and the industry’s revenue is estimated at half a billion euros. Online ordering with private prescriptions has become a common option for patients, facilitating easier access to necessary treatments.
Import statistics further illustrate the rising demand for medical cannabis in Germany. In the first quarter of 2025, the country imported over 37.223 metric tonnes of medical cannabis, marking a 14.8% increase from the previous quarter and a staggering 457% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Canada remains the leading supplier, with 16.1 tonnes imported in Q1 2025, followed by Portugal and Denmark.
Changes in regulation have also lifted previous production quotas, allowing for increased domestic cultivation of medical cannabis. This policy shift is expected to provide patients with a wider array of choices as local production ramps up.
The legalization of home cultivation in 2024 permits adults to grow up to three cannabis plants, a move that many consumers have embraced. A study conducted by Geisenheim University revealed that 10% of participants had already cultivated cannabis legally, while 11% expressed interest in doing so in the future. Additionally, a previous YouGov poll indicated that 7% of respondents had purchased cannabis seeds or clones, with another 11% planning to do so.
Another option for accessing adult-use cannabis is through member-based cultivation associations. So far, 215 applications for these associations have been approved from a total of 626 submitted nationwide. These associations will eventually facilitate regional pilot programs for adult-use cannabis commerce, although the rollout has faced delays.
Despite the presence of lawmakers opposed to cannabis reform within Germany’s coalition government, experts like attorney Peter Homberg predict that a complete reversal of the current cannabis laws is unlikely. Recent statements from Bundestag member Carmen Wegge reaffirm that reversing recreational legalization is not being considered.
Germany’s success in cannabis reform is influencing neighboring countries, as evidenced by recent developments in the Czech Republic, which has approved a measure allowing adults to cultivate cannabis and possess small amounts. With Germany leading the charge, it signals a growing momentum for cannabis legalization across Europe, and the number of EU nations with legalized cannabis is likely to increase in the coming years.
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