Imports of medical cannabis to Germany are on a high | DW News

Key Concepts

• Medicinal Cannabis Regulation (Germany): Changes in legal status impacting access.
• Narcotic vs. Controlled Substance: The shift in classification and its consequences.
• Telemedicine & Prescriptions: The role of online platforms in increasing access.
• Demand & Recreational Use: The overlap between medical and recreational cannabis consumption.
• Government Response: Proposed restrictions and policy changes.

Growth in Medicinal Cannabis Imports

Germany has experienced a significant surge in medicinal cannabis imports. Data reveals an increase from approximately 40 tons imported in the first nine months of 2024 to 142 tons in the same period of 2025. This represents a substantial 250% increase in demand within a single year. This dramatic rise is the central concern driving proposed legislative changes.

Legal Shift & Loopholes

The increase in imports is directly linked to changes in German law enacted in 2024. Prior to partial legalization, cannabis was classified as a narcotic. This required a specific, stringent prescription for narcotics to obtain medical marijuana. However, the 2024 law reclassified cannabis as a controlled substance. This seemingly minor change had a major impact: patients with conditions like cancer or multiple sclerosis no longer require a narcotics prescription, only a standard prescription for medication.

Rise of Telemedicine Platforms

Following the reclassification, numerous online platforms emerged, capitalizing on the simplified prescription process. These platforms offer easy access to prescriptions, often requiring only the completion of an online form and a small fee. Critically, many of these services do not necessitate a consultation with a physician, raising concerns about appropriate medical oversight. This ease of access is identified by the government as a key driver of the increased demand.

Government Concerns & Proposed Restrictions

The German government argues that the current system allows individuals to access medicinal cannabis without a legitimate medical need. Consequently, they are drafting legislation to restrict access. The proposed changes aim to close the perceived “loophole” created by the reclassification. A key component of the draft legislation is a ban on advertising for medical marijuana services, further limiting accessibility.

Stakeholder Perspectives

The proposed changes have elicited varied responses. Patient associations have expressed support for the restrictions, likely due to concerns about the dilution of resources for genuine medical patients. The police union also supports the measures, presumably due to law enforcement concerns related to potential misuse.

However, associations representing cannabis consumers have voiced concerns. They acknowledge the high demand is partially fueled by recreational users seeking access through the medical system. This, they argue, highlights the difficulties faced by regular cannabis users in obtaining the substance legally and suggests that access should be improved, not further restricted.

Political Divide & Future Outlook

The governing coalition is internally divided on the issue. Conservative members are advocating for even stricter regulations, not only for medicinal cannabis but also for recreational use, indicating a desire to roll back aspects of the 2024 partial legalization. This suggests a potential for further policy shifts impacting cannabis access in Germany.

Technical Terms Explained

• Narcotic: A substance with a high potential for abuse, associated with strong psychological effects and physical dependence. Historically, cannabis was categorized as such.
• Controlled Substance: A drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, and use are regulated by a government. This classification is less restrictive than “narcotic.”
• Telemedicine: The remote delivery of healthcare services using telecommunications technology, in this case, online prescription platforms.

Synthesis

The rapid increase in medicinal cannabis imports to Germany is prompting a government response focused on tightening regulations. This response is driven by concerns that the relaxed prescription requirements, facilitated by online platforms, are enabling access for recreational users. The situation highlights the complex interplay between legal frameworks, patient needs, and public health concerns, and reveals a political divide regarding the future of cannabis policy in Germany.