The German legal cannabis market is projected to grow significantly, increasing from a value of USD 37.15 million in 2024 to an estimated USD 85.64 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.09%. This growth is attributed to several factors, including increased social acceptance of cannabis, expanding medical applications, and advancements in research and development.
As of February 2024, approximately 4.5 million people in Germany are estimated to use cannabis. This rising demand is supported by favorable government policies and reimbursement structures for medical cannabis. In 2022, there were 338,500 prescriptions for medical cannabis covered by Statutory Health Insurance (SHI), and pharmacies received 14,840 kilograms of cannabis for medicinal purposes that same year.
The demand for cannabis is not limited to recreational use; the medical application of CBD has become increasingly popular, prompting the government to develop policies to facilitate its distribution. For instance, in September 2023, Cantourage Group SE launched ‘Telecan,’ a telemedicine platform designed to streamline access to medical cannabis for patients.
The cannabis sector has also seen a rise in conferences and events aimed at industry leaders, such as the International Cannabis Business Conference scheduled for April 2024 in Berlin. This gathering serves as a platform for influential figures in politics and the cannabis business community to discuss future developments.
Innovations in cultivation techniques are also fueling market growth. Companies are increasingly adopting advanced methods to optimize resource use, contributing to higher production efficiency. The diverse applications of hemp and marijuana in sectors such as personal care, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food and beverages further bolster market expansion.
In 2024, the hemp segment led the market with an 84.50% revenue share, reflecting its broad range of products, including supplements, nutritional powders, and animal feed. CBD derivatives accounted for 63.61% of the market, highlighting the increasing adoption of this non-psychoactive compound for various health benefits. Industrial use of cannabis also dominated, representing 80.26% of the market share in 2024.
Overall, the German cannabis market is poised for substantial growth, driven by increased acceptance, medical usage, and technological advancements in cultivation and production. Key players in this emerging market include The Cronos Group, Organigram Holding, Inc., Tilray Brands, and Canopy Growth Corporation, among others. With ongoing developments and favorable conditions, Germany’s cannabis industry is set to thrive in the coming years.