Germany becomes the world's largest importer of medical cannabis

In the first quarter of 2025, the’Germany imported a record 37.2 metric tons of medical cannabis. According to data from the’Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), this figure represents a increase of 457 in Q3 compared to the first quarter of 2024, when imports totaled just 8.1 metric tons. This trend follows an already very strong end to 2024, when Germany imported 31.7 metric tons in the final quarter.

This rapid growth places the’Germany Ranks as the World's Leading Importer of Medical Cannabis, surpassing all other countries in terms of volume.

«We are on track to import 150 metric tons of cannabis into Germany for medical and scientific purposes by 2025,» said Niklas Kouparanis, CEO and co-founder of the Bloomwell Group, as quoted by Benzinga. «At present, Germany is probably already the world’s largest market for medical cannabis.»

Why such a large increase?

The sharp increase in imports follows the passage of the cannabis law (MedCanG) in Germany in April 2024, which, among other things, has made it easier to access the medical marijuana, particularly through telemedicine and the ability to receive their medication at approved pharmacies.

«This has enabled several hundred thousand patients, who previously obtained medical cannabis illegally, to gain access to legal medical cannabis prescribed by doctors,» Mr. Kouparanis concluded.

Actual purchases at pharmacies totaled approximately 22.3 metric tons in the first quarter of 2025. Taking into account batches that were previously rejected or re-exported, actual domestic consumption could reach 28 metric tons.

At an estimated retail price of 8 €/g, this represents a potential market value of between 714 and 900 million euros, making the The German medical cannabis market is one of the largest in the world.

Who supplies Germany?

Canada remains the leading supplier, accounting for 43 % of imports in the first quarter of 2025, or 16.1 metric tons. Portugal follows with 32 % (12.1 metric tons), and Denmark accounts for 7 % (2.6 metric tons). A large portion of the Portuguese cannabis However, it consists of products of Canadian origin that were processed in accordance with EU GMP standards before being re-exported.

Despite these promising figures, the future of Germany’s regulatory framework for medical cannabis remains uncertain. The new coalition led by the CDU expressed concerns about the excessive availability of prescriptions.

The Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken, described the current growth as «worrisome,» citing «too easy access» as a potential problem. The government is expected to review the regulations under the Cannabis Act by fall 2025, and restrictions on the telemedicine could be introduced.

Despite the volume of imports, market penetration among patients remains low in Germany : Only 0.4 % to 0.5 % of the population uses medical marijuana, compared with 3 % to 4 % in U.S. states where the programs are well-developed, leaving significant room for growth.

«The German model serves as a benchmark for the entire EU in ensuring safe, reliable, and digital access to medical cannabis,» said Mr. Kouparanis.

Domestic production in Germany remains limited (only 2.6 metric tons in 2024), and the growing demand for imports indicates that Germany's role in the’global cannabis industry is only just beginning to take hold.