In Bavaria, Germany, Cantourage, a manufacturer and distributor of cannabis-based medical products, operates in a highly secure facility that emphasizes safety and compliance. CEO Philip Schetter opened a robust steel door to reveal the extensive cannabis stock, which the company sources from countries such as Jamaica, Uganda, and New Zealand. This careful approach reflects concerns about criminal targeting due to the value of their products, especially as medical cannabis has been partially legalized in Germany.
Inside the facility, employees in surgical attire meticulously prepare dried cannabis flowers for medicinal use. These products aim to address chronic pain, sleep disorders, and specific forms of epilepsy, and they also serve patients undergoing treatment for cancer and HIV. In 2022, Cantourage reported a revenue of 51.4 million euros, marking a 118% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the growth potential within the medical cannabis sector.
Cantourage provides a pathway for various producers looking to enter the European medical cannabis market by processing and distributing their dried flowers and extracts. Competing firms include Bedrocan from the Netherlands and Canada’s Aurora, both also engaged in cannabis cultivation. Since its prescription availability began in 2017, medical cannabis has increasingly gained traction among patients in Germany.
One of the advantages of using laboratory-tested cannabis is the assurance of quality regarding its origin and active ingredient content. Schetter highlighted the risks associated with black market products, which often lack transparency and may be contaminated. He emphasized the importance of knowing the exact contents of medical cannabis, stating that the black market offers limited choices and questionable safety.
Cantourage distinguishes itself with a creative marketing strategy, promoting products under appealing strain names such as ‘Frosted Cookies,’ ‘Lemon Berry Candy,’ and ‘Chemdawg.’ This approach, which features vibrant stickers for brand recognition, contrasts with traditional pharmaceutical marketing methods. Schetter noted the blurred lines between recreational and medicinal cannabis, arguing that the therapeutic properties of cannabis can effectively alleviate various symptoms.
As the medical cannabis market in Germany continues to expand, companies like Cantourage are strategically positioned to capitalize on growing demand while ensuring product safety and transparency for consumers.
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