skyrocketing imports of medical cannabis recorded in Germany during 2024
Friday, 28 February
Boom in Germany's Medical Cannabis Imports in 2024: A Closer Look
Cannabis imports in Germany witnessed a staggering rise in 2024, driven primarily by a surge in medical cannabis demand caused by regulatory reforms. Let's delve into the details.
According to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), Germany imported an astounding 72 tonnes of dried cannabis flowers last year. This number, significantly larger than the 32,503 kg imported in 2023, represents a massive boost. The fourth quarter alone saw a leap from 8.1 tonnes to a mind-boggling 31.7 tonnes. Canada emerged as the major supplier, delivering 33 tonnes, followed closely by Portugal, Denmark, and North Macedonia.
Germany's homegrown medical cannabis, on the other hand, lagged substantially, with just 2.6 tonnes produced—a figure that's been fixed under a long-term licensing agreement for many years. The exact reasons behind the import spike remain unclear.
In April 2024, Germany decriminalized non-medical cannabis use under stringent conditions. While individuals are now allowed to cultivate up to three plants at home, licensed cannabis clubs have been introduced to facilitate collective cultivation. In Berlin, 18 applications for such clubs are still awaiting approval, while in Brandenburg, the number stands at 22. In a notable development, the first Berlin club successfully distributed homegrown cannabis to its members in January 2025, signaling a promising trend.
The rapid expansion in the medical cannabis user base is largely attributed to the Cannabis Act (CanG/MedCanG), which was enacted and implemented in April 2024. This legislation simplified access for patients by facilitating digital prescriptions and easy access to medical cannabis through licensed physicians and pharmacies. As a result, hundreds of thousands of patients who previously relied on illegal means to procure cannabis were able to do so legally, swelling the medical user base to nearly 900,000 by May 2025, up from around 250,000 in April 2024.
While the influx of medical cannabis is noteworthy, the CanG also introduced the concept of "cannabis clubs," modeled after similar concepts in Spain and Malta. However, these clubs in Berlin and Brandenburg are still in the process of being regulated and implemented. As of June 2025, they are not yet fully operational.
| Factor | Status/Detail (2024–2025) ||-------------------------------|------------------------------------------|| Medical Cannabis Imports | Massive surge, >457% YoY in Q1 2025 || Main Driver | Cannabis Act (CanG/MedCanG), new access || Key Suppliers | Canada, Portugal, Denmark || Estimated Patients (May 2025) | ~900,000 || Cannabis Clubs (Berlin/Brand.)| Legal framework in place, not yet active |
In the grand scheme of things, Germany's medical cannabis imports witnessed a significant surge in 2024, primarily driven by regulatory reforms and a surge in the number of legal patients. While the legal framework for cannabis clubs in Berlin and Brandenburg has been established, the operational details and local regulations are still being ironed out, and these clubs have yet to become widely available.
- The rising interest in health-and-wellness, specifically medical-conditions, has led to a boost in the science behind cannabis, as Germany imported a record 72 tonnes of dried cannabis flowers in 2024.
- The finance sector and the industry are also impacted by this trend, as the renewable-energy sector might find potential in cultivating cannabis as a crop for biomass, offering an alternative energy source.
- CBD, a popular compound found in cannabis, has applications beyond medical use and could be a promising area for investment within the finance industry.
- Additionally, the energy industry could benefit from advancements in technology related to cannabis cultivation, such as developing energy-efficient growing facilities that utilize renewable energy sources.
