Germany's Growing Medical Cannabis Industry Gains Momentum Amid Legal and Market Developments

Germany's Medical Cannabis Boom

In recent years, Germany has emerged as a significant player in the medical cannabis sector, leveraging legal reforms and increasing demand for medicinal marijuana. A prominent Berlin-based company, Cantourage, has become a leader in this field, capitalizing on the country's progressive policies and expanding market.

At an undisclosed facility in Bavaria, Cantourage's CEO, Philip Schetter, oversees operations that focus on the secure storage and processing of high-quality cannabis. The company adheres to strict safety standards, with staff wearing protective gear while preparing cannabis flowers used for treating various health conditions, including chronic pain, sleep disorders, epilepsy, and supporting cancer, HIV, and palliative care patients.

Since entering the European market, Cantourage has experienced rapid growth, reporting revenues of €51.4 million in 2024, representing a 118% increase from the previous year. The company processes dried cannabis flowers and extracts, enabling producers across Europe to access the medicinal cannabis market with reliability and transparency.

Germany’s medicinal cannabis industry benefits from laboratory testing, ensuring products are safe, pure, and accurately labeled with active ingredients. Schetter emphasizes that legal, lab-tested cannabis provides a safer alternative to the black market, which often offers contaminated and uncertain products.

Products like "Frosted Cookies," "Lemon Berry Candy," and "Chemdawg" highlight Cantourage's innovative branding approach, appealing to consumers through distinctive strain names and colorful packaging. Schetter notes their marketing style sets them apart from traditional pharmaceutical companies, blending creativity with medicinal purpose.

Legal reforms in Germany have played a pivotal role in this sector's growth. Last year's law changes made it easier for people to obtain cannabis prescriptions, and personal possession of up to 25 grams and home cultivation of up to three plants were legalized.

This legal shift has caused a surge in demand, with prescriptions increasing over 1,000% since the law’s enactment. However, political debates continue, with conservative voices criticizing the reforms as a "shame for the country." Despite this, Schetter remains optimistic, asserting that his company's model remains resilient and that further steps toward full legalization could bolster the industry.

Overall, Germany is positioning itself as a leading European market for medical cannabis, supported by regulatory advances, innovative companies, and increasing acceptance among healthcare providers and patients.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-high-german-cannabis-firm-medical.html