Over the past decade, the medical cannabis market in Europe has rapidly evolved, particularly in the UK and Germany, which now offer patients a wider selection of products than ever before. Initially dominated by Dutch suppliers, notably Bedrocan, the European market has seen Canada become a key player in supplying medical cannabis products.
In the early years, from 2017 to 2020, the range of medical cannabis options was limited. However, as more countries develop their medical cannabis frameworks, demand has surged, prompting an increase in both the variety and availability of products sourced globally and locally. This growth is largely influenced by factors such as cannabis classification, product authorization processes, patient numbers, regulatory environments, and market competition.
Currently, Germany stands out as the largest medical cannabis market in Europe, boasting a patient base and product availability that far exceeds those in the UK. By 2024, Germany imported over 72 tonnes of medical cannabis, largely driven by a new regulatory framework that removed cannabis from its narcotics list. This change simplified the trade and prescribing processes, leading to a rise in private-pay patients and a corresponding increase in demand for imported products. Despite the extensive variety of flowers and extracts in Germany, edibles are not available, and there is only one vape product due to the classification of medical cannabis as a magistral product, which necessitates pharmacy involvement in the final production steps.
In terms of pricing, German patients face a wide range of costs, from approximately €4 to €17 per gram of medical cannabis flower. Prices have decreased significantly from an average of €20 to €24 per gram in 2018, as the number of patients and suppliers has grown. Currently, the most common price for medical cannabis flower in Germany hovers around €8 to €9 per gram, making it competitive with illicit market prices.
In contrast, the UK’s medical cannabis market remains smaller due to strict import regulations and a focus on private-pay patients. Medical cannabis in the UK is classified as an unlicensed special medicine, which requires doctors with specific licenses to prescribe it. Each prescription must undergo a review by a multidisciplinary peer group, complicating access for patients.
Despite having fewer options for flowers and extracts compared to Germany, the UK market offers a broader variety of product formats, including vape cartridges from producers like Curaleaf and edible pastille gums. The pricing for medical cannabis flower in the UK ranges from £3 to £14 per gram, with an average price around £8 to £9 per gram, similar to German prices.
Both countries are experiencing heightened competition in their medical cannabis markets, which is fostering more competitive pricing. The interconnected nature of the European medical cannabis supply chain means that many importers and suppliers source products from the same suppliers, contributing to price consistency across markets.
As the medical cannabis landscape continues to change, both the UK and Germany are poised to evolve further, potentially expanding their offerings and market dynamics in the coming years.
Czech 
English 
Spanish 
German