Germany Expands Medical Cannabis Import Capacity
Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has announced a significant increase in the maximum quantity of cannabis permitted for import for medical and scientific purposes. The limit has been raised by 70 tonnes, bringing the new total to approximately 192.5 tonnes. This decision, which saw BfArM resume approving cannabis imports in the week of October 20, 2025, addresses the escalating demand within the country's medical cannabis sector.
Addressing Exhausted Quotas and Rising Needs
The increase follows a temporary suspension of new import licenses in September 2025, when Germany's initial estimated demand for 2025, set at 122 tonnes and reported to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), was fully utilized. The BfArM clarified that this pause was not an outright import ban but rather a necessary step to manage the quota, leading to potential processing delays for new applications. The adjustment underscores the dynamic nature of Germany's medical cannabis market, which has experienced substantial growth since its legalization in 2017.
Booming Market and Patient Growth
The German medical cannabis market has witnessed a remarkable expansion. Patient numbers have surged from approximately 250,000 in April 2024 to around 900,000 by May 2025, with projections indicating a potential reach of 1.5 million patients by the end of 2025. This growth has been further propelled by the enactment of the Cannabis Act (CanG) in April 2024, which removed cannabis from the nation's Narcotics List, thereby streamlining access for medical purposes.
Import Dynamics and Evolving Regulations
Canada remains the primary source of medical cannabis imports into Germany, with Portugal serving as the second-largest supplier. In the second quarter of 2025, Germany imported a total of 43,257 kilograms of cannabis, with nearly half, 20,107 kilograms, originating from Canada. Concurrently, the German government is navigating a complex regulatory landscape. On October 8, 2025, the Federal Cabinet approved a draft bill that, if passed, would introduce restrictions on how patients access medical cannabis. These proposed changes include limiting online or telemedicine consultations and excluding mail-order delivery, requiring personal contact between patients and doctors for prescriptions.
9 Comments
Bermudez
The growth in patient numbers is undeniably impressive for medical cannabis access, yet the article also hints at regulatory changes that could complicate access for many, which sends a very mixed message.
Africa
Finally, the government is listening to the real demand. Smart move.
ZmeeLove
Recognizing the therapeutic value of cannabis by expanding access is positive, but the move to limit mail-order delivery could disproportionately affect patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues.
Muchacho
About time they adjusted the limits. Healthcare should be responsive to patient needs.
Muchacha
This growth is incredible! Shows the true potential of medical cannabis.
eliphas
192.5 tonnes? That's an insane amount. What about potential abuse or diversion?
anubis
This import increase reflects a growing acceptance of medical cannabis, which is great for patients, but we need to ensure robust oversight to prevent over-prescription and maintain the integrity of the medical system.
lettlelenok
Just another example of pharmaceutical overreach, pushing more drugs into the system.
dedus mopedus
It's good that patient demand is being met with increased imports, but the proposed restrictions on telemedicine consultations feel like an unnecessary hurdle for those who truly need convenient access.