Germany sees 44% surge in medical cannabis imports

Germany's medical cannabis market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by recent legal reforms that have made it easier to access and prescribe cannabis for medical purposes. The latest data from Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) reveals a significant spike in imports, reflecting a rapidly expanding market that continues to evolve.

Import figures reach new heights

The BfArM's Q2 data shows that Germany imported 11,706 kilograms of dried cannabis flower, marking a 44% increase from the 8,134 kilograms imported in the first quarter of 2024. This growth is even more impressive when compared to Q4 2023, with a 38% increase from the previous record high. Year-on-year, the country saw a 51% rise compared to Q2 2023.

This surge in imports offers a glimpse into the growing demand for medical cannabis in Germany, especially following the reclassification of cannabis from a 'narcotic' substance as of April 2024. While these figures highlight the booming demand, the data does not reveal how much of this imported cannabis is actually reaching pharmacies and, subsequently, patients.

Demand meets supply in an expanding market

The rise in imports coincides with findings from the Bloomwell Group, a major player in Germany's medical cannabis industry. Their internal data indicates a sharp increase in patient numbers, which soared by 400% between March and June 2024. This rise in patients has naturally led to an increase in the amount of cannabis being prescribed.

Interestingly, the average price of medical cannabis spiked initially due to this surge in demand, coupled with a temporary shortage in pharmacies. However, as the market adjusted, prices began to stabilize. By June, the average cost per gram of cannabis had dropped to around €9, even lower than prices found in the illicit market.

Global supply chains and cost-effective solutions

A significant factor in maintaining affordable prices has been the adaptation of international supply chains. Innovations, particularly the conversion of Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, have allowed for the importation of cannabis from low-cost production regions such as South America and Africa.

These products are then processed in GMP-certified hubs before being sold in Germany at competitive prices.

Canada remains the primary source of Germany's medical cannabis, with 11,103 kilograms imported in the first half of 2024 alone. This trend is driven by Canada’s ongoing oversupply issue, which has also created opportunities for smaller, boutique growers to enter the German market through specialized GMP hubs.

Other countries, including Portugal, North Macedonia, Colombia, Uruguay, and several African nations, are also emerging as key suppliers, particularly for lower-cost products.

Peronal perspective

As someone who closely follows the developments in the cannabis industry, it's fascinating to observe how legal reforms can dramatically alter a market's dynamics. The German government's decision to reclassify cannabis has clearly catalyzed a significant shift, not just in terms of import figures, but also in how the market adapts to new challenges.

It's particularly interesting to see how international supply chains are evolving to meet Germany's growing demand while keeping prices competitive.

In my view, this trend is likely to continue as more countries establish themselves as key players in the global cannabis supply chain. Germany’s approach could very well serve as a model for other nations looking to expand their medical cannabis markets. The focus now should be on ensuring that this growth benefits patients by providing consistent access to high-quality, affordable products.