What is your opinion about the current status of the cannabis sector in markets like the UK and Germany, considering that you are organising B2B events to connect companies and create synergies for industry and patients in both countries?
The cannabis sectors in Germany and the UK are progressing, but each faces its own set of challenges in moving from political will to practical delivery. Both countries are often seen as benchmarks for Europe, and while there has been real momentum, the reality on the ground remains uneven.
In Germany, the recent reforms have attracted widespread attention. The first stage of legalisation, which permits home cultivation and personal use, is now in place. However, the second stage, involving commercial pilot programmes, has yet to be implemented. Medical cannabis remains the backbone of the market. Germany imported over 72 tonnes of medical cannabis in 2024, making it by far the largest market in Europe. But the system is far from frictionless. Patients continue to report inconsistent access, pricing remains volatile, and prescribers often face administrative hurdles that slow down treatment.
In contrast, the UK has seen a quieter but steady rise in its medical cannabis market. Prescription volumes have more than doubled over the past year, and domestically cultivated products are now entering the supply chain. Clinics are expanding, and public interest is growing. However, mainstream adoption remains limited. Most general practitioners are still reluctant to prescribe, and medical cannabis is not yet covered under the NHS. The sector continues to operate largely within the private healthcare system, creating access and affordability issues for many patients.
Both countries demonstrate that legal frameworks alone are not enough. Infrastructure, education and regulatory clarity all need to move at the same pace. A recurring theme across both markets is the emphasis on education. But while it is regularly mentioned by policymakers and industry stakeholders, it is rarely supported with the resources needed to train clinicians or inform patients. This gap between intent and execution continues to undermine progress.
What both markets need now is stability and structure. For Germany, this means clear timelines for pilot programmes and consistency in how federal and regional regulations are applied. For the UK, it means formalising prescribing standards, building confidence within the medical community, and ensuring that patients are not priced out of access.
Ultimately, the UK and Germany are central to shaping how cannabis is integrated into European healthcare systems. But to fulfil that role, each market must focus less on headline reforms and more on the systems that make treatment effective. That includes supply chain coordination, clinical guidance, and data-led policymaking.
The opportunity is real. What matters now is execution.
https://www.maryjane-berlin.com/en/b2b
https://prohibitionpartners.com/reports/the-european-cannabis-report-10th-edition.
