72 tonnes of medical cannabis were imported to Germany over the course of 2024, figures from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) have revealed.

72 tonnes of cannabis imported to Germany last year

In the first quarter of 2024, just 8,1 tonnes of medical cannabis were imported to Germany. By the second quarter imports had risen to 11,6 tonnes, then 20,7 tonnes in the third quarter, before surging to 31,7 tonnes in the fourth.

These imports amounted to 72 tonnes over the year, of cannabis predominantly imported from Canada, Portugal, Denmark and North Macedonia.

Why is more medical cannabis being imported to Germany?

In its announcement, the BfArM did not give a specific explanation for the surge in medical cannabis imports.

Cannabis for personal use has been legal in Germany since April 1, 2024. However, it is not possible to legally buy marijuana in Germany, only to access it through Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) or if you have a prescription for medical cannabis.

Since CSCs are yet to get fully up and running in Germany, and since cannabis is no longer classed as a narcotic in Germany, the rules around issuing prescriptions have been loosened since legalisation.

Markus Beier of the Federal Association of General Practitioners pointed to the fact that a growing number of online retailers have been issuing prescriptions for medical cannabis.

However, the legality of these platforms is dubious. Court proceedings against one of the largest such platforms, Dr Ansay, began in mid-February 2025.

Thumb image credit: Melnikov Dmitriy / Shutterstock.com