Germany saw record-breaking cannabis imports for medical and scientific use in 2023, reaching 31,398 kilograms (34.6 tons)—a 26.2% increase over 2022, according to data from the Federal Institute for Drugs and MedicalDevices (BfArM). This surge reflects Germany's demand as Europe’s largest regulated cannabis market and the limited domestic production to meet that demand.
In 2024, Germany’s import volumes show no signs of slowing. By Q2 2024 alone, imports hit 11,706 kilograms—a 44% increase over the previous quarter, fueled by the Cannabis Act (CanG), which took effect on April 1, 2024.This act removed cannabis from Germany’s list of narcotics, simplifying the prescription process and expanding patient access.
Annual Import Growth & Recent Trends: Cannabis imports to Germany have shown consistent growth over the past several years:
- 2023: 31,398 kg, up 26.2% from 2022.
- 2022: 24,876 kg, up 19.8% from 2021.
- 2021: 20,771 kg, up 77% from 2020.
- 2020: 11,746 kg, up 46% from 2019.
- 2019: 8,057 kg, up 80% from 2018.
Imports grew as international cannabis producers sought to enter Europe’s largest federally regulated medical market, with Canada,Portugal, and the Netherlands as top suppliers. Canada alone shipped 15,600kilograms to Germany in 2023, covering about half of its total imports.
Supply Shortage & Legal Shifts
Germany’s high import levels are attributed to insufficient domestic cultivation, a problem arising from an earlier quota system that restricted the cultivation to three companies permitted to produce only 10,400kg over four years. This limit has now been lifted by Germany’s new cannabis legislation, allowing more companies to apply for cultivation permits through the Cannabis Agency.
The Domestic Market’s Potential
The law, effective April 1, 2023, removed marijuana from the narcotics classification, eliminating the need for a narcotic prescription for patients seeking medical cannabis. Now, standard prescriptions suffice, which is expected to drive further demand. According to Demecan, a German cannabis company, this change could spur domestic cultivation, but in the short term, imports are still essential to meet demand. Demecan’s managing director, Constantin von der Groeben, believes domestic cultivation could eventually reduce import reliance under Article 21 of the United Nations’ Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. However, this shift may be years away as domestic producers gradually scale up.
Market Impact
With Germany’s new law and its relaxing regulations, it could help reshape the European cannabis market, giving international producers a temporary advantage giving the domestic cultivators time to catch up. However, with Canada being barred from exporting to larger markets like the United States, it will likely continue prioritizing Germany, given its role as Europe’s largest cannabis market and its openness to medical and scientific use.
