In Bavaria, Germany, Philip Schetter, CEO of Cantourage, opens a heavy steel door to reveal a large supply of cannabis. Cantourage specializes in producing and distributing cannabis-based medicinal products, operating under stringent safety protocols to protect its assets. With partial legalization of cannabis in Germany, the company remains vigilant against potential criminal threats targeting its imported cannabis from regions like Jamaica, Uganda, and New Zealand.
Schetter emphasizes the importance of safety for both employees and products, stating, “We are committed to the highest safety standards.” The facility employs staff wearing surgical gowns and masks who meticulously process dried cannabis flowers into medical products designed to alleviate chronic pain, treat epilepsy, and support patients with cancer and HIV.
Cantourage has experienced notable growth, reporting a revenue of 51.4 million euros in the previous year, reflecting a 118 percent increase from 2023. The company aids producers in entering the European medical cannabis market by managing the processing and distribution of their products. Major competitors include Bedrocan from the Netherlands and Canadian firm Aurora.
Since 2017, German pharmacies have offered cannabis with a prescription. The legal framework provides patients with reliable products, ensuring clarity regarding their origin and content. Schetter points out the risks associated with black market cannabis, which often lacks quality and safety assurances.
Cantourage markets its products with catchy strain names like “Frosted Cookies” and “Lemon Berry Candy,” appealing to a younger demographic and blurring the lines between recreational and medicinal cannabis. This approach contrasts with traditional pharmaceutical marketing strategies.
Germany’s legal landscape for cannabis has evolved, particularly under the previous center-left government, which facilitated prescription access and legalized possession of small amounts for personal use. This shift has raised awareness about cannabis availability beyond severe medical conditions, leading to a surge in demand. Data from Bloomwell indicates that cannabis prescriptions in pharmacies increased by over 1,000 percent from March 2024 to December 2024, following the regulatory changes.
However, not all political leaders support these changes. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed opposition to cannabis legalization, with Bavarian premier Markus Soeder calling it a “shame for the country.” Despite this, the current coalition government is taking a more lenient stance, promising an “open-ended evaluation” of cannabis policies. Schetter remains optimistic about the future, stating that even if regulatory changes occur, Cantourage’s position as a pharmaceutical provider remains stable.
Schetter envisions the potential for further legalization, stating, “We are a pharmaceutical company. We make medicines and deliver them to chemists.” He expresses curiosity about the outcomes of the government review, hoping for advancements in cannabis legislation.
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