German Pharmaceutical Association Emphasizes Positive Impact Of Legalization
One year after the implementation of the initial components of Germany’s adult-use legalization measure, the German Association of Pharmaceutical Cannabinoid Companies (BPC) is emphasizing the positive effects of the public policy change.
“The Cannabis Act (CanG) entered into force on April 1, 2024. The resulting changes, both in the area of medicinal cannabis and in the area of recreational cannabis, have since had a major impact on the general handling of cannabis in Germany.” BPC stated in a press release (translated from German to English).
A little over one year ago, Germany started to allow adults to cultivate, possess, and consume personal amounts of cannabis. Additionally, cannabis was removed from Germany’s Narcotics List, which was a major policy change that has dramatically improved the nation’s medical cannabis industry.
“With regard to medical use, the removal of cannabis from the Narcotics Act (BtmG) and the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles, for example, regarding the cultivation of medicinal cannabis in Germany, but also regarding medical prescriptions, were essential to ensure low-threshold access for patients. This progress is expressly welcomed by the German Association of Pharmaceutical Cannabinoid Companies.” BPC stated.
“The Cannabis Act has also further increased the importance of the cannabis industry operating in Germany compared to other countries. The increased interest in medicinal cannabis as a treatment option and simplified medical prescriptions were key factors in this.” BPC also stated. “According to estimates by the BPC and the Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW), the cannabis industry’s total revenue will amount to around one billion euros in 2025 – approximately 100 million euros in investments from foreign investors were already acquired in 2024.”
“Especially against the backdrop of Germany’s currently weakening economy, the Cannabis Act thus also forms the basis for economic development that can create numerous jobs and generate substantial tax revenues.” BPC pointed out.
BPC, in conjunction with the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW), is calling for further improvements to Germany’s cannabis policies and regulations, in addition to urging lawmakers to refrain from rolling back recent policy modernizations.
“The Cannabis Act is a milestone for cannabis patients in Germany. We must build on this foundation, consolidate the legal and economic framework, and integrate cannabis therapy into standard care in the long term,” says Antonia Menzel, Chair of the BPC.
“The Cannabis Act has a very positive impact on patient care, so reversals should be prevented. Instead, the existing regulations should be better monitored.” stated Armin Prasch, Medical Cannabis Department Coordinator at BvCW.
“The cannabis industry as a whole is a growth market in which young companies offer well-paid jobs. We should not also regulate this innovative industry to ruin.” added Prof. Dr. Justus Haucap of the Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics.
