Directional Choice – The Impact of the Federal Election on the Future of Cannabis Regulation

The year 2024 has been a milestone for the cannabis industry in Germany. The removal of medical cannabis from the Narcotics Act and the launch of Pillar I have enabled significant progress. More recently, the release of the decree on cannabis research has opened new perspectives and provided greater planning certainty for scientific endeavors. However, the political landscape ahead of the federal election in February 2025 is causing nervousness within the industry. In this briefing, we look back at the past year and take a glimpse into the future: How will the election shape the future of cannabis regulation? 

What’s at Stake? 

The federal election is a pivotal moment for the industry. The Union party has repeatedly announced plans to roll back the Cannabis Act that has been in effect since April, often without drawing a clear distinction between recreational and medical cannabis. Such a rollback could not only halt legal recreational use but also jeopardize advancements in the medical cannabis sector – such as the simplifications in prescriptions for doctors and patients. 

At the same time, the Union has historically emphasized the need for secure access to medical cannabis. It remains critical to ensure and expand the achievements that have been steadily made since the legalization of medical cannabis in 2017. 

Scenarios for 2025: Progress or Regression? 

A conservative-led government could undo previous progress. This would not only destabilize the industry but also present new challenges for patients and consumers. A clear commitment to stable and reliable regulatory conditions would provide the industry with the planning security it needs. This could lead to increased investment, secure jobs, and Germany’s continued growth as an innovation hub for medical cannabis. 

A Look Abroad 

International developments demonstrate that the acceptance of cannabis as medicine continues to grow, with regulatory frameworks being adjusted in many countries. Denmark, for example, has been running a successful pilot program for medical cannabis since 2018. Initially planned as a temporary project, the Danish government recently decided to make the program permanent. The Czech Republic is also taking a significant step forward: From 2025, general practitioners will be allowed to prescribe medical cannabis for the first time. This decision is part of a broader plan aimed at improving access to medical cannabis and enhancing patient care. This approach could pave the way for broader societal acceptance and expand therapeutic opportunities. 

Germany has the potential to benefit from these international developments. The growing demand for medical cannabis, combined with Germany’s strong position as an exporting nation, offers enormous opportunities. However, long-term and reliable regulatory conditions are essential to strengthen the industry and remain competitive on a global scale. 

A Shared Goal 

The past years have shown how important collaboration and exchange between patients, doctors, pharmacies, and businesses are. Only through united efforts can we ensure that the industry is not set back to pre-April 2024 levels. The federal election will set the course for the future. 

As the year comes to an end, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all readers of the Cannabis Briefing. 2024 was a year full of challenges and opportunities, during which we made important strides together as an industry. The upcoming elections will define 2025 – and we all have a role to play in ensuring that the progress of recent years is not lost. It’s up to us to continue advancing the cannabis industry with innovative ideas, strong community spirit, and tireless dedication. 

With this in mind, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season, a happy New Year, and many bright moments ahead. Let’s approach 2025 with confidence and determination! 

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@cansativa.de. If you are interested in revolutionising the cannabis industry with us, then stay tuned and follow our briefings!

We wish you a good read!

Best wishes from both of us,