Sky-high increase in imported medical cannabis for Germany in 2024
Monday, 28 March
Germany's Cannabis Imports Soar in 2024
The wave of medical cannabis imports flooded Germany in 2024, with a mind-boggling increase from 8.1 tonnes in the first quarter to a whopping 31.7 tonnes in the fourth quarter, as per the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). Over the year, Germany imported a staggering 72 tonnes of dried cannabis flowers, making Canada the main supplier (33 tonnes), followed closely by Portugal, Denmark, and North Macedonia.
On the flip side, Germany's homegrown production was meager, totaling just 2.6 tonnes, a figure that's been fixed for years in licensing agreements. The reason for the import surge remains hazy.
With the legalization of recreational cannabis in Germany since April 2024, restrictions were applied stringently. Folks can cultivate up to three plants, and cannabis clubs were minted to encourage collective farming. However, Berlin is still home to 18 suspended clubs, while Brandenburg has 22 applications in limbo. The first Berlin club managed to distribute its homegrown cannabis to members in January 2025, evoking a wave of anticipation.
🔍 Dive Deeper:
- The rise in medical cannabis imports can be attributed to the following key factors:
- Legislation and Regulatory Changes: The introduction of the Cannabis Act broke barriers for medical cannabis access, leading to a rush in patient numbers and surging demand for imports.
- Rapid Growth in Patient Numbers: The number of medical cannabis patients boomed, leading to an estimated 900,000 patients by May 2025.
- Market and Supply Chain Dynamics: Domestic cultivation isn't enough to meet Germany's cannabis needs, leading to a reliance on international suppliers. Canada doubled their exports to Germany from 2023 to 2024.
- Imports have soared due to:
- Czech Republic and Greece's entry into the market
- Increased prescriptions, particularly for pain management, spasticity, and anorexia
- A pattern of nearly doubling import volumes year over year since 2021
These factors paint a compelling picture of the significant increase in cannabis imports in Germany since the legal shakeup in 2024.💠
- The surge in cannabis imports in Germany in 2024, driven by legislation changes, rapid growth in patient numbers, and market dynamics, has made Canada the primary supplier, with 33 tonnes of dried cannabis flowers imported.
- The renewable energy industry is witnessing a similar trend, with Germany relying heavily on international suppliers, much like its cannabis needs, to meet their demands for energy, especially in the sector of renewable energy.
- The medical-conditions sector, particularly health-and-wellness companies, are also experiencing growth akin to the cannabis industry, driven by an increase in patient numbers and changing regulations, similar to the Cannabis Act introduced in Germany.
- The finance sector has seen a boom, much like the cannabis and renewable energy industries, as investors look for opportunities in emerging markets, such as CBD companies, which have gained traction due to their health benefits and potential for growth.
