Over 200 tonnes imported: Germany's medical cannabis market set to explode in 2025

Germany continues to consolidate its position as Europe's leading market for medical marijuana. According to the’Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), the country imported more than 201 tonnes of medical cannabis in 2025, a spectacular increase compared with 72.85 tonnes in 2024.

The latest quarterly figures show that 56.625 tonnes were imported in the fourth quarter alone, while earlier data for 2025 have been revised upwards. For example, third-quarter imports have been adjusted by 56.915 tonnes to 59.076 tonnes, confirming the sustained upward trend seen throughout the year.

This sharp rise underlines the rapid expansion of German medical cannabis market, which remains heavily dependent on imports. Once again Canada maintained its position as leading supplier, reinforcing its dominance on the global export scene.

Regulatory changes stimulate demand and access

One of the main drivers of this growth has been the regulatory change effective April 1, 2024, cannabis was removed from German narcotics law. This reform considerably simplified access for patients wishing to obtain of medical cannabis prescriptions.

Today, obtaining a prescription often requires little more than filling in an online questionnaire via telemedicine platforms such as «DoktorABC». Prescriptions are then forwarded to mail-order pharmacies, which deliver the products directly to the patient's home.

This simplified process has contributed to the standardization of cannabis-based treatments within the healthcare system, transforming what was once a niche segment into a booming pharmaceutical market.

A billion euro market under pressure

The sector's expansion is also reflected in its economic weight. According to industry estimates German medical cannabis market generated approximately 1 billion euros in sales by 2025.

However, this rapid growth has led to increased competition. A growing number of suppliers and a wider range of products are exerting downward pressure on prices. Market analyst Alfredo Pascual notes in the SüddeutscheZeitung There is considerably more medical cannabis and a much greater variety of products on the market. This creates considerable pressure on prices.«

Data from Cannamonitor suggest that the average price per gram could rise from 8,20 € à 5,20 €, The company's strategy is based on a combination of the following factors: intensifying competition, and the challenge for companies to maintain margins while expanding their activities.

Sector consolidation gathers pace

In the face of these pressures, consolidation is emerging as a key strategy. One of the latest developments concerns a proposed merger between Canify AG and MG Health Limited, The aim is to integrate the entire value chain, from cultivation to distribution, within a single entity.

Canify AG, a Bavarian pharmaceuticals company specializing in the processing and distribution of medical marijuana, is expected to generate around 21 million euros in sales by 2025. Her potential partner, MG Health Limited, grows cannabis in Lesotho with respect for the environment. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), This makes it one of the first African producers to meet European pharmaceutical standards.

The aim of the merger is to leverage favorable growing conditions in Lesotho, These factors, together with abundant sunshine and low energy costs, give us a structural cost advantage over European growers, where indoor cultivation often entails higher costs.

If successful, the new group plans to operate in more than seven countries, reflecting the increasingly international nature of the medical cannabis supply chain.

Global competition is reshaping the European landscape

This merger is not an isolated case. The recent acquisition of German start-up Sanity by Canadian company Organigram for approximately 250 million euros testifies to the growing interest of international players in Europe's most dynamic market.

While the’Germany continues to stimulate demand, the’global medical cannabis industry is rapidly adapting. Producers from Canada, Africa and elsewhere are competing for market share, while local companies are seeking to gain scale and efficiency through partnerships and mergers.

The result is a market that is both expanding and maturing, characterized by increasing patient accessibility, falling prices and intensifying competition. While growth remains strong, the years ahead are likely to test the resilience of companies operating in this evolving and increasingly competitive environment.