For the first time in modern German history, homegrown medical cannabis is being sold to local pharmacies. Although enthusiasts have lauded the milestone, doubts remain about pot's business case in the country.

Long term the nascent German cannabis sector promises to be a growth industry, but it's not going to be quick, easy or cheap

After the legalization of medical marijuana in Germany in 2017, there has been a surge in interest from both patients who may benefit from cannabinoids and companies that produce and sell the drug.

Patients who meet the criteria for medicinal cannabis use and have failed to respond to traditional medicine will now expect to receive cannabis-based medications, though marijuana products are still out of reach for those looking to use them recreationally.

We will discuss some main points about the legal and political status of cannabis in Germany.

Destination Germany is the watchword for those in the international cannabis industry—but it is still a rocky path to gaining access for most. Specifically, there is a lot of confusion surrounding API and cannabis classification and issues from a lack of consistent standards.

The German government is now funding cannabis research on cannabinoid extractions and additives to food. That is a big story. 

However, here is the strange dichotomy at play within the German government. Last month, a federal court remanded a hemp tea seller back to a regional one for being out of spec if not a general nuisance. Yet in April comes the news that a Berlin-based company, Becanex, has received just over a quarter of a million euros from the Central Innovation Programme for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (ZIM) to develop a cannabinoid-containing emulsion for industrial food production. 

The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV), whose members insure 90% of the German population have released the data on reimbursed medical cannabis usage covering the entirety of 2020. The new data reveal that the reimbursed sales of medical cannabis were worth €165 million in 2020. 

To be clear, the recent court decision is not specifically related to hemp in food, but by clearing hemp tea sellers of trafficking charges, the German court ruling opened a door to allow hemp products in food.

The world of cannabis just got bigger as a German court ruling opened the door for hemp to be used in food. This is as exciting as the advent of delta-8 THC products, and the ability to get the same kind of benefits as standard THC, while experiencing less psychoactive effects, and less anxiety. We can even help you get started if you’re a beginner with this new THC. Check out our awesome delta-8 THC deals, and join in on the excitement!

Here is the first thing you need to know about Franjo, as he is more apt to be known to both patients and others: he is a board-certified German medical artz (physician). 

Here is the second: he is also a doctor with a disability.

As a result of this, he has a unique perspective on the topic of cannabis as medicine that few in either the scientific or medical professions can match in both his medical training and his sympathy for patients.

Back in the days when “skunk” was mainly associated with Pepé Le Pew and hydroponics was a way of improving cucumbers, most of the UK’s cannabis supply was imported from places such as Morocco and Lebanon. This changed in the past two or three decades in the UK and many other countries as organised criminal gangs set up growing operations closer to home.

The final quarter of 2020 saw medical cannabis flower imports into Germany reach more than 3.2 tonnes.

Prohibition Partners reports Germany saw 37% year-on-year growth in flower imports. However, the year-on-year growth was well down on 2018 and 2019, which both topped 100%.

The situation in Germany has been the result of problematic implementation of domestic production, although the first locally cultivated and manufactured medical cannabis products should be available in March this year, with domestic cultivators expected to supply Germany with at least 2,600 kilograms of medical cannabis per year.