Medical cannabis markets in the UK and Germany both double by 2025

The medical cannabis markets in the UK and Germany both more than doubled in size throughout 2025, once again confirming the role of these countries as drivers of European market growth.

According to the report Global Medical Cannabis Market Review 2026, recently published by Prohibition Partners, this meteoric growth continues to be driven by the growing importance of telemedicine clinics.

Despite the success of the telemedicine model now ubiquitous in these markets, the report suggests that its prevalence is not necessarily synonymous with success.

Australia, now one of the largest medical cannabis markets on the planet, with an estimated patient base of between 700,000 and 900,000, saw only modest growth of 8 % over the same period, although telemedicine dominates the market.

Published today and free download now, Prohibition Partners' latest report examines emerging global shifts in supply, exports and patient markets, offering not only exclusive data, but also concrete explanations of the dynamics behind the numbers.

Here are some key facts from the free report and the available data packs.

Germany: growth of 155 % driven by medical cannabis law

Germany is the largest medical cannabis market outside North America, with estimated sales of nearly $1 billion by 2025. This represents significant growth of 155 % over 2024, underlining the considerable impact of the medical cannabis law, which came into force on April 1, 2024.

Market expansion is being driven by private prescriptions and telemedicine services. However, it is unclear whether the government will implement the proposed restrictions on telemedicine. Depending on the extent of these restrictions, they could have a considerable negative effect on market growth.

United Kingdom: affordable telemedicine clinics spur 104 % expansion

Compared to 2024, the UK medical cannabis market has grown by an estimated 104 % in 2025, with sales reaching around $298 million. This growth is being driven by a growing awareness of medical cannabis among the general public and healthcare professionals, as well as affordable private telemedicine clinics that facilitate access for the general public.

Australia: growth slows to 8 % despite strong patient base

By 2025, medical cannabis sales in Australia are expected to reach around $656 million. While Australia has one of the largest medical cannabis markets, with an estimated patient base of between 700,000 and 900,000, the market has only grown by 8 % over 2024.

This slowdown in growth could indicate a gradual stabilization after several years of strong expansion. In addition, if health authorities implement proposed restrictions on patient access routes and telemedicine services, the market could experience a significant decline.

Source: Prohibition Partners estimates for 2026 (in US dollars)

Poland: telemedicine restrictions lead to 18 % market contraction

In 2025, the medical cannabis market in Poland was estimated at $68 million, down 18 % on the previous year. This slowdown in growth is explained by the introduction, in November 2024, of telemedicine restrictions for medical cannabis prescriptions.

Although the number of prescriptions fell by over 50 % in the first few months following this decision, it has rebounded, thanks to the introduction of face-to-face hybrid clinic models that reach patients all over the country.

Israel: the debate over Canadian imports continues

In 2025, sales of medical cannabis in Israel reached around $372 million, with imports reaching a record 30.1 tonnes.

The majority of these imports came from Canada, which became a controversial issue for domestic growers.

Accusations of dumping practices by Canadian suppliers prompted local producers to call for restrictions and tariffs. However, after a government review, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich decided not to implement tariffs. He argued that such a tax could hinder domestic market growth and have a negative impact on patients by increasing product prices.

Brazil: new regulations pave the way for domestic production

In 2025, the Brazilian medical cannabis market grew by 45 % compared to 2024. Brazil already has one of the largest medical cannabis patient populations in the world, but access to affordable treatment remains out of reach for many. Domestic production has been extremely limited to date, with most products imported on a case-by-case basis, driving up costs considerably for patients.

New regulations adopted in early 2026 have paved the way for market expansion. Brazil's health authority, Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa), introduced a new framework establishing three regulatory paths for cannabis cultivation: commercial cultivation in secure facilities limited to 0.3 % THC, unrestricted cultivation for scientific research authorized at institutional level, and a pilot model allowing certain patient associations to cultivate under direct regulatory supervision.

These reforms also update the rules governing cannabis products, broadening the approved routes of administration, authorizing pharmacy preparation on individual prescription, and widening access to treatments with higher THC content for patients with serious and disabling chronic illnesses.

The «Global Medical Cannabis Market Review 2026» report» is available as a free download from the Prohibition Partners website.. Enriched data sets including market estimates, product and price analyses are available for the UK and Germany.