In Germany, one pharmacy in seven now offers medicinal cannabis

Since the legalization of medical cannabis in Germany in 2017, the country has become Europe's largest market for therapeutic cannabis products.

One in seven pharmacies now offers cannabis-based treatments, with around 2,500 stocking medical cannabis, according to the German Federal Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW).

Legalization stimulates growth

The momentum has only intensified in the wake of the legalization of cannabis on April 1, 2024. Pharmacies have seen their sales increase dramatically, as more and more patients prefer legal, quality-controlled cannabis to black-market alternatives. With sales estimated at half a billion euros, the sector has become an essential element in the evolution of the German medical and pharmaceutical landscape.

Medical cannabis is mainly prescribed in flower form, although there is a growing trend towards edibles, products, vaping products, extracts and topicals.

This trend reflects international developments, particularly in the USA, where flowers were initially the most popular form of consumption, later to be replaced by healthier forms of consumption.

A safer alternative to the black market

A recent online survey relayed by  Apotheke Adhoc shows that many patients who previously sourced their drugs on the black market have turned to legal medical channels. The survey, involving 500 patients, revealed that 59 % of them had previously used illicit sources, with even higher figures among men (67 %) and those under 35 (63 %).

«The medical cannabis market is growing,» said David Henn, founder and CEO of Cannamedical, a leading medical cannabis wholesaler. «Many patients receiving prescription cannabis today used to resort to the black market. Controlled THC/CBD concentrations and regular quality controls minimize the risk of contamination. This means a considerable increase in safety compared to black market products.»

The removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics played a key role in this evolution. It has simplified documentation, reduced bureaucratic hurdles and made it easier for some doctors to prescribe cannabis. However, Henn points out that, despite the progress made, «there is an urgent need for a regulated supply system that guarantees both safety and quality».

Telemedicine still under-utilized

Telemedicine is one of the most under-utilized tools for expanding access to medical cannabis in Germany. Although it is legally possible to obtain a prescription online, awareness and use remain limited. Only one in three patients surveyed knew that remote consultations could lead to a prescription, and only one in five had ever used such a service.

Henn stresses that «more information» is needed, and that security and data protection standards must be improved to protect patients. Cannamedical also advocates stricter competency requirements for online providers to ensure that patients receive safe and professional advice.

Limited access to pharmacies and insurance barriers

Despite significant advances, two major obstacles remain: limited availability in pharmacies and lack of reimbursement by health insurers. These issues are particularly pressing for new patients, who often need extra help to navigate the system.

«Through more intensive negotiations, it must be possible to increase the availability of medicines in pharmacies,» Cannamedical insists. Local commitment and education, particularly among health insurers and pharmacists, are essential to fully integrate cannabis into routine medical care.