Germany liberalises production of medical cannabis – April 2024

07/04/2024

Prepared by: New Zealand Embassy Berlin, in consultation with NZTE

Summary

On 1 April Germany became the third EU country to legalise the private cultivation and consumption of recreational cannabis (after Malta and Luxembourg), and the ninth country to do so worldwide.
The domestic production and marketing of medical cannabis has also been liberalised which is expected to increase domestic demand and production.
Domestic production and marketing will no longer be restricted by centralised tenders and redistribution, but will be open to any producer who obtains a licence.
Medical cannabis is no longer classified as a narcotic, and can now be prescribed like other pharmaceuticals.
Imports of medical cannabis continue to grow, including from New Zealand. Exporters could benefit from the expected boost in demand, but also face increasing competition from German suppliers.