27/08/2023
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Germany’s Medical Cannabis Demand Surges Beyond Expectations

When Germany’s Cannabis Act came into effect on 1 April 2024, policymakers predicted a modest uptick in the country’s medical cannabis market. The law legalised limited home growing and nonprofit cannabis clubs and removed cannabis from the narcotics list. It also signalled to patients and doctors that regulated products could be safely prescribed and dispensed via pharmacies. In the months that followed, industry watchers were astonished by the market’s explosive growth: patient numbers, product selection and demand surged well beyond initial forecasts^[1]. This article examines the data behind that boom, explores why demand overshot expectations and looks at what it means for Germany’s evolving cannabis landscape.

1. Expectations vs. reality: a market that surprised experts

Before the Consumer Cannabis Act took effect, analysts anticipated a gradual expansion of the medical market. “The benefits to the medical cannabis market were somewhat expected,” MJBizDaily reported, citing German executives who believed the law would encourage more patients to switch from black‑market purchases to pharmacy‑dispensed cannabis^[1]. However, a rapid surge in patient enrolment and product sales confounded those expectations. According to Albert Schwarzmeier, managing partner of Enua Pharma, the partial legalisation “marked a pivotal shift” that ushered in an era of explosive growth^[1]. By March 2025 Enua sold over 1.5 tonnes of medical cannabis in a single month and expected to double annual revenue^[1].

Explosive growth: MJBizDaily noted that the surge in patient numbers, product selection and demand “has far exceeded expectations”^[1].
Pivotal shift: The April 2024 law signalled a new era for suppliers such as Enua Pharma, with sales volumes rapidly expanding^[1].
March 2025 milestone: Enua sold more than 1.5 tonnes of medical cannabis in March alone and planned to double revenue for the year^[1].

Note: Germany’s policymakers anticipated some growth, but the scale and speed of demand took both regulators and suppliers by surprise. Rapid uptake suggests patients feel more comfortable using prescription cannabis when it is legally sanctioned and available through pharmacies.

2. Market metrics: imports and patient numbers break records

Hard numbers illustrate how quickly the market expanded. In August 2025 Business of Cannabis reported that imports of medical cannabis flower increased 15 % quarter‑on‑quarter to reach 43.3 tonnes in Q2 2025 – a new record^[2]. Canada remained the dominant supplier, accounting for nearly half the imports, while Portugal and African nations also increased exports^[2]. Analysts warned that the continued surge, combined with planned restrictions on telehealth prescribing, could create an oversupply^[2].

An MJBizDaily report from August 2025 painted an even sharper picture of demand. Since the law’s enactment, the number of registered medical cannabis patients in Germany jumped from ≈250 000 to nearly 900 000 – a more than three‑fold increase^[3]. The influx of patients pushed import volumes to about 41 tonnes in Q1 2025, almost 4.6 times the amount imported a year earlier^[3]. Second‑quarter imports rose further to more than 47 tonnes^[3]. Annual revenues are now approaching € 1 billion^[3].

Q2 2025 imports: 43.3 tonnes of medical cannabis flower were imported, up 15 % from Q1^[2].
Patient boom: Registered patients grew from ≈250 000 to nearly 900 000 within a year^[3].
Revenue surge: Medical cannabis sales approached € 1 billion, with imports nearly 4.6 times higher than a year earlier^[3].

Tip: These figures highlight the scale of Germany’s medical cannabis boom. Investors and policymakers should consider both the opportunities and the risks of a market expanding this fast – including potential oversupply if new prescribing rules dampen demand.

3. Drivers of unexpected demand

Several factors explain why demand exceeded expectations:

Lower prices: Pharmacists sold medical cannabis at prices roughly 30 % lower than those on the black market, encouraging users to switch to legal channels^[1].
Quality assurance: Pharmacy‑dispensed products offer consistent quality and dosing, attracting patients who previously relied on illicit sources.
Telehealth prescribing: Germany’s liberal telemedicine rules allowed doctors to prescribe cannabis remotely, making access easier^[2]. New rules aimed at curbing telehealth prescriptions are expected to slow growth and prevent abuse^[2].
Supply chain readiness: Companies such as Enua Pharma and IM Cannabis Corp. ramped up supply chains to meet surging demand. IM Cannabis’s German subsidiary reported a 50 % revenue increase in Q3 2024 – growth its CEO described as “significantly exceeding expectations”^[4].

Note: The combination of lower prices, convenient telemedicine access and improved product standards made legal medical cannabis an attractive option for German patients. Industry players who invested early in supply chains were well positioned to capitalise on the surge.

4. What’s next? Navigating growth and regulation

Germany’s medical cannabis boom has been a boon for patients, pharmacies and suppliers, but the pace of expansion has also raised concerns. Regulators are considering stricter telehealth requirements and caps on prescriptions to prevent abuse and oversupply^[2]. Analysts warn that if demand slows while imports continue to grow, Germany could face a glut of unsold cannabis products^[2]. Nonetheless, companies see opportunities: Enua Pharma, for example, is planning to add two more brands, expand its pharmacy network and broaden telemedicine services^[1].

As Germany refines its cannabis policies and market players adjust, one lesson is clear: demand for medicinal cannabis can outstrip even optimistic forecasts. Policymakers must balance patient access, industry growth and safeguards against misuse to ensure the market remains sustainable.

Explore More: Follow regulatory updates and market analyses to understand how Germany’s cannabis landscape continues to evolve. For patients, always consult a qualified physician before starting any treatment.

5. Footnotes

MJBizDaily: German cannabis exec reflects on 1-year anniversary of recreational policy reform (March 2025) – experts expected some growth, but patient numbers and demand far exceeded expectations【949874800915998†L93-L100】; partial legalisation marked a pivotal shift【949874800915998†L100-L105】; Enua sold more than 1.5 tonnes of medical cannabis in March 2025【949874800915998†L108-L119】; pharmacy prices roughly 30 % lower than black-market prices encouraged patients to switch【949874800915998†L130-L132】.
Business of Cannabis: Germany’s Medical Market Continues Record Growth in the Face of Clampdown (Aug 2025) – imports rose 15 % to 43.3 tonnes in Q2 2025【551881752145822†L106-L118】; Canada supplied nearly half of imports【551881752145822†L126-L128】; analysts warn telehealth restrictions could create oversupply【551881752145822†L115-L118】.
MJBizDaily: Cannabis retailer High Tide entering German market via acquisition (Aug 2025) – number of medical cannabis patients increased from ≈250 000 to nearly 900 000 in a year【883367604373453†L119-L126】; import volumes reached about 41 tonnes in Q1 2025, 4.6 times more than a year earlier【883367604373453†L124-L130】; second-quarter imports exceeded 47 tonnes【883367604373453†L129-L133】; annual revenue approached € 1 billion【883367604373453†L119-L126】.
IM Cannabis Corp. press release: IMC Germany Announces Outstanding Preliminary Q3 2024 Performance – partial legalisation significantly increased demand; Q3 2024 revenue grew 50 % over Q2, exceeding expectations【203877634630881†L137-L160】.