In Bavaria, Germany, Cantourage, a pharmaceutical company specializing in cannabis-based medicinal products, is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for medical cannabis. CEO Philip Schetter recently showcased their secure facility, which features a 75-centimeter thick steel door designed to protect their extensive cannabis inventory sourced from regions including Jamaica, Uganda, and New Zealand. The company prioritizes safety, stating, “Better safe than sorry,” as they navigate the partially legalized cannabis market in Germany, where concerns about criminal activity are prevalent.
The medical cannabis sector has proven lucrative for Cantourage, which reported a revenue of €51.4 million in the previous year—a remarkable increase of 118% compared to 2023. With a workforce of 70, Cantourage provides essential services for producers looking to enter the European medical cannabis market by processing and distributing dried flowers and extracts. The company competes with established players such as Bedrocan from the Netherlands and Canada’s Aurora.
Since 2017, German patients have been able to obtain cannabis through prescriptions, and recent regulatory changes have made access easier. The former center-left government relaxed prescription requirements, allowing individuals to possess up to 25 grams for personal use and cultivate up to three cannabis plants at home. This shift has led to heightened awareness and an increase in demand for medical cannabis, with pharmacies reporting a 1,000% increase in prescriptions from March to December 2024.
Schetter emphasizes the importance of laboratory-tested medical cannabis, highlighting that it provides clarity regarding its origin, processing, and active ingredient content. He contrasts this with the uncertainties of the black market, where products may be contaminated or misrepresented.
Cantourage markets its products creatively, with strain names like “Frosted Cookies,” “Lemon Berry Candy,” and “Chemdawg,” which help to build brand recognition despite the absence of these names on packaging. Schetter notes the blending of recreational and medicinal cannabis, asserting that cannabis can effectively treat various symptoms.
Despite the positive momentum within the industry, not everyone in Germany views the legal changes favorably. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Bavarian premier Markus Soeder have voiced opposition, labeling the relaxation of cannabis laws as a “shame for the country.” However, Merz’s coalition government has adopted a more lenient approach, stating an intention for an ongoing evaluation of the laws rather than an outright reversal.
Schetter remains optimistic about the future of Cantourage, regardless of potential regulatory changes, asserting that the company will continue to focus on producing and distributing medicinal products. He even suggests that the current evaluation could lead to further advancements toward full legalization in Germany, which would further support the burgeoning cannabis market.
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