Medical cannabis in Poland: prescriptions up by 9,420 % and dispensing up by 13,942 %.

The Polish Center for Public Opinion Research (CBOS) recently revealed that 73.4% of Poles support the decriminalization of cannabis. Behind this support is also an increase in demand for medical cannabis, a sector that has experienced very strong growth since the Legalization of medical cannabis in Poland in 2017.

In 2019, only 2,909 cannabis prescriptions were issued, but that number skyrocketed to 276,807 in 2023, marking an increase of 9,420% during that period.

Prescriptions for Medical Cannabis in Poland

The amount dispensed at pharmacies also increased, rising from 33.2 kilograms in 2019 to 4,659 kilograms in 2023, representing an increase of 13,942%.

Amount of Medical Cannabis in Poland

Factors Driving the Shift Toward Cannabis in Poland

These exorbitant figures can be attributed to several factors. Initially, the supply was limited, and many doctors were reluctant to prescribe it due to the lack of clear guidelines and the associated stigma. Over time, healthcare professionals began to become more familiar with the medical benefits of cannabis and new sources of prescriptions have been developed.

The implementation of «e-recepta,» an online system that simplifies access to medical prescriptions, including medical cannabis, has been instrumental. Patients can request prescriptions and, after a brief virtual consultation, receive a code that allows them to purchase the medication at any pharmacy.

Another development has been the emergence of clinics specializing in cannabis, known as Klinika Konopna. They are run by doctors who specialize in medical cannabis and are more likely to prescribe cannabis for Parkinson’s disease and other conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, theanxiety and sleep disorders.

A recent study showed that 47% of cannabis users in Poland obtain their prescriptions from these dispensaries, while 32% use the «e-recepta» system. Only 13% of them consult other medical specialists and 7% consult general practitioners, according to Talking Drugs.

Source of Medical Cannabis Prescriptions in Poland

Access to medical cannabis in Poland varies by region. Pharmacies in small towns often run out of stock. Patients should make sure that pharmacies have the medication in stock before requesting a prescription.

Deputy Health Minister Wojciech Konieczny recently announced that increasing the volume of imported cannabis would be considered in order to improve access to it. However, Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna stated that «Poland is not ready for cannabis legalization» and that the country should «be better informed before that happens.» There will certainly be obstacles to overcome, but the country is on track to establish a more efficient system for consumers.