Germany's Cannabis Market Sees Major Shift, Ministry Proposes New Restrictions

Germany's cannabis landscape has seen significant changes since April 2024. With cultivation, possession, and consumption now legal, the market has evolved, leading the Federal Ministry of Health to propose new regulations.

Initially, only 0.1% of total cannabis demand in 2024 came from private cultivation associations. However, the legalisation of cannabis has led to a surge in demand, with medicinal cannabis covering up to 14% of this demand.

Online platforms like Bloomwell and Dr. Ansay have emerged, offering cannabis prescriptions based on online questionnaires. Bloomwell, in particular, has seen a tenfold increase in orders since April 2024. This rapid growth has raised concerns about potential misuse for recreational purposes.

In response, the Federal Ministry of Health has proposed a legislative draft to restrict access to cannabis through telemedical prescriptions. The draft aims to end online prescriptions of medical cannabis, requiring patients to have a personal visit with a doctor for initial and follow-up prescriptions. The ministry also plans to ban the shipment and online sales of cannabis products to counteract misuse through telemedicine platforms. This move comes as a result of a perceived increase in cannabis imports and online prescriptions without direct doctor contact.

The reform of the Medicinal Cannabis Act (MedCanG) has led to a significant shift in Germany's cannabis market. While medicinal cannabis now covers a substantial portion of demand, the rise of online prescription platforms has sparked concerns about recreational use. The proposed restrictions on telemedical prescriptions aim to balance access for medical necessity with prevention of misuse.