The recent International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) in Berlin showcased Germany as the most exciting legal cannabis market in the world. With entrepreneurs, investors, and industry service providers from all over the globe vying to enter the German market, it is clear that the country is at the forefront of the cannabis industry. This rise in Germany’s legal cannabis industry is accompanied by improved options for medical cannabis patients and consumers.
In 2017, Germany became the first country in Europe to allow medical cannabis sales through pharmacies. And in mid-2024, the first provisions of adult-use legalization came into effect. While neither the medical nor recreational cannabis laws in Germany are perfect, the country still stands out as the best place to be a patient or consumer.
The number of legal medical cannabis patients in Germany has skyrocketed in the past year. According to leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, Germany has always had a strong legal medical cannabis market. Even before the adoption of the CanG adult-use legalization law, which removed cannabis from Germany’s Narcotics List, the country had the largest legal medical cannabis market in Europe. But with the removal of cannabis from the Narcotics List and the rise of telemedicine, the patient base has significantly increased.
In his recent newsletter, Whitney stated, “There has been a consistent number of between 200k – 300k medical patients. As a result of this new innovation, there is now an additional 500k – 600k self-paying consumers participating in the legal market.” This means that there are currently around 800k legal consumers in the German market, representing between 10% and 20% of the total market. This increase in demand is also reflected in the number of German pharmacies now offering medical cannabis products, with around 2,500 out of 17,000 pharmacies now providing this option.
The German Cannabis Business Association BvCW reports that the industry’s revenue is estimated at around half a billion euros. This is a significant increase from previous years and shows the growing demand for legal medical cannabis in Germany. Import statistics also reveal this trend, with an increase in the amount of medical cannabis being imported into the country.
In conclusion, Germany is currently the best place to be a cannabis patient or consumer in Europe. With a rapidly growing legal market and improved options for medical cannabis, the country is leading the way in the industry. As more countries around the world continue to legalize cannabis, Germany’s progressive policies and market potential make it a top destination for entrepreneurs, investors, and consumers alike.
