Briefing

How did you first come to use medical cannabis? 

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012. At first, I went through conventional treatment: disease-modifying therapy, pain medication, and other prescriptions. I experienced severe side effects, including breast infections that required several surgeries. At the same time, my pain medication kept being increased. In 2014, I brought up cannabis with my neurologist because I had read that it could help with MS. He was open to the idea, but he did not want to handle the application process. So I learned what was required and prepared the application myself. At the time, patients still needed a special authorization from BfArM (The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) to access medical cannabis. After a few follow-up questions between the authority and my doctor, the authorization was granted. The next hurdle was finding a pharmacy willing to order cannabis at all.  

 

What changed for you once you started the therapy? 

I have been using medical cannabis continuously since 2014. Since then, I have stopped taking my MS medication entirely. I have not had any relapses since 2014, and I have not had any further breast infections. My physical condition is much more stable than it was before. For me, it is not about treating one isolated symptom. It is about maintaining balance. The therapy helps me better manage pain, cramps, concentration issues, and other symptoms. It has allowed me to take part in everyday life more reliably again. 

 

Why is this therapy not simply interchangeable for you? 

Cannabis is a highly individualized therapy. Many components of the plant work together, which is why different strains can have different effect profiles. That makes it possible to tailor treatment more closely to the individual patient.  For me, cannabis flower and extracts serve different purposes. An oral extract can provide a kind of baseline because its effects last longer, helping to reduce and smooth out pain peaks during the day. Inhaled cannabis flower, by contrast, works much faster. When pain, spasticity, or cramps occur acutely, I need a therapy option with a rapid onset of action. From my perspective, there is currently no equivalent alternative. 

 

What barriers do patients still face today, and what has improved since 2017? 

In patient counseling, I still see a lot of prejudice. Especially in rural areas and in Bavaria, the topic remains highly politicized. Many patients not only have to find a doctor; they also have to deal with skepticism in their families, workplaces, and social circles. On the positive side, more pharmacies and physicians have become open to medical cannabis since 2017. The reforms introduced in 2024 have reinforced that trend. I also see that the patient population has become older and more diverse. More women and more older patients are seeking support. At the same time, access remains difficult. Specific strains are not always available, and switching a patient’s prescribed strain without consultation can disrupt treatment. Reimbursement is still complex as well. Documentation requirements and concerns about financial recourse mean that some patients still struggle to access treatment, even when there is a clear medical need. 

 

What would it mean if cannabis flower were removed from statutory reimbursement? 

I see this as a serious issue for patient safety and treatment reliability. Flower is not simply replaceable. Especially with acute pain peaks, cramps, or spasticity, fast onset matters. Patients who rely on that effect cannot simply be switched to extracts. Extracts can provide an important baseline, but they do not replace the rapid onset of inhaled therapy in every situation. Many seriously ill patients cannot afford to pay for cannabis flower out of pocket on an ongoing basis. If flower were removed from reimbursement, it would create another barrier for those patients. There is also the risk that, without reimbursement, some patients may turn to unsafe sources. That cannot be in the interest of responsible healthcare. 

 

You have two wishes. What would you like to see from policymakers? 

I would like to see less polarization around cannabis. We need an open, fact-based approach so that medical cannabis can be understood as a normal treatment option. Many debates are still shaped by recreational use or public-order concerns. For patients, however, this is about access to care, participation in daily life, and treatment reliability. 

 

And what would you like to see from the industry? 

From the industry, I would like to see more factual education and less marketing-driven communication. We need information that truly helps patients, physicians, and pharmacies. That also includes prevention and a responsible approach to cannabis more broadly. If we can reduce fear and help people understand medical cannabis as a normal medical option, everyone benefits: patients, healthcare providers, and the broader public debate. 

 We sincerely thank Manuel Kralik for this open conversation and for sharing such important insights from the patient perspective. 

 

 

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@www.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,

How did you first come to use medical cannabis? 

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012. At first, I went through conventional treatment: disease-modifying therapy, pain medication, and other prescriptions. I experienced severe side effects, including breast infections that required several surgeries. At the same time, my pain medication kept being increased. In 2014, I brought up cannabis with my neurologist because I had read that it could help with MS. He was open to the idea, but he did not want to handle the application process. So I learned what was required and prepared the application myself. At the time, patients still needed a special authorization from BfArM (The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) to access medical cannabis. After a few follow-up questions between the authority and my doctor, the authorization was granted. The next hurdle was finding a pharmacy willing to order cannabis at all.  

 

What changed for you once you started the therapy? 

I have been using medical cannabis continuously since 2014. Since then, I have stopped taking my MS medication entirely. I have not had any relapses since 2014, and I have not had any further breast infections. My physical condition is much more stable than it was before. For me, it is not about treating one isolated symptom. It is about maintaining balance. The therapy helps me better manage pain, cramps, concentration issues, and other symptoms. It has allowed me to take part in everyday life more reliably again. 

 

Why is this therapy not simply interchangeable for you? 

Cannabis is a highly individualized therapy. Many components of the plant work together, which is why different strains can have different effect profiles. That makes it possible to tailor treatment more closely to the individual patient.  For me, cannabis flower and extracts serve different purposes. An oral extract can provide a kind of baseline because its effects last longer, helping to reduce and smooth out pain peaks during the day. Inhaled cannabis flower, by contrast, works much faster. When pain, spasticity, or cramps occur acutely, I need a therapy option with a rapid onset of action. From my perspective, there is currently no equivalent alternative. 

 

What barriers do patients still face today, and what has improved since 2017? 

In patient counseling, I still see a lot of prejudice. Especially in rural areas and in Bavaria, the topic remains highly politicized. Many patients not only have to find a doctor; they also have to deal with skepticism in their families, workplaces, and social circles. On the positive side, more pharmacies and physicians have become open to medical cannabis since 2017. The reforms introduced in 2024 have reinforced that trend. I also see that the patient population has become older and more diverse. More women and more older patients are seeking support. At the same time, access remains difficult. Specific strains are not always available, and switching a patient’s prescribed strain without consultation can disrupt treatment. Reimbursement is still complex as well. Documentation requirements and concerns about financial recourse mean that some patients still struggle to access treatment, even when there is a clear medical need. 

 

What would it mean if cannabis flower were removed from statutory reimbursement? 

I see this as a serious issue for patient safety and treatment reliability. Flower is not simply replaceable. Especially with acute pain peaks, cramps, or spasticity, fast onset matters. Patients who rely on that effect cannot simply be switched to extracts. Extracts can provide an important baseline, but they do not replace the rapid onset of inhaled therapy in every situation. Many seriously ill patients cannot afford to pay for cannabis flower out of pocket on an ongoing basis. If flower were removed from reimbursement, it would create another barrier for those patients. There is also the risk that, without reimbursement, some patients may turn to unsafe sources. That cannot be in the interest of responsible healthcare. 

 

You have two wishes. What would you like to see from policymakers? 

I would like to see less polarization around cannabis. We need an open, fact-based approach so that medical cannabis can be understood as a normal treatment option. Many debates are still shaped by recreational use or public-order concerns. For patients, however, this is about access to care, participation in daily life, and treatment reliability. 

 

And what would you like to see from the industry? 

From the industry, I would like to see more factual education and less marketing-driven communication. We need information that truly helps patients, physicians, and pharmacies. That also includes prevention and a responsible approach to cannabis more broadly. If we can reduce fear and help people understand medical cannabis as a normal medical option, everyone benefits: patients, healthcare providers, and the broader public debate. 

 We sincerely thank Manuel Kralik for this open conversation and for sharing such important insights from the patient perspective. 

 

 

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@www.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,

Market Development with Momentum 

A range of topics came up across the panels, including price developments in the flower market over recent months and the proposed changes to statutory health insurance reimbursement for medical cannabis. What stood out was how nuanced and increasingly strategic the discussion has become. Falling prices are not seen only as a challenge, but also as a sign of a maturing market in which viable business models can still succeed. The key now will be to focus on stability, quality and a broader product portfolio across different price segments. 

At the same time, the debate around statutory health insurance reimbursement made clear how important reliable political framework conditions remain for the market’s future development. The fact that medical cannabis has been reimbursable since 2017 was a major catalyst both for patient access and for the development of the market as it exists today. That makes it all the more important to continue on this path and ensure that patients retain access to the forms of therapy that best meet their needs. 

 

What’s Next for the Medical Cannabis Reform? 

Another key topic at ICBC was whether the MedCan reform presented last summer is still realistic in its original form. The prevailing view on the panels was that it probably is not. Many discussions suggested that the political assessment has shifted in the meantime: mail order supply and digital prescribing models are increasingly no longer seen as the core problem, but rather as part of a modern healthcare framework. As a result, many in the industry expect that if the reform is pursued at all, it will look quite different from the version outlined last year. 

 

Case Law Instead of Additional Special Regulation 

Another important point of discussion at ICBC was the latest case law surrounding telemedicine and platform-based models. The rulings and ongoing proceedings show that the existing legal framework is functioning and that the market is being shaped and clarified through the courts. From the industry’s perspective, that is an important signal. Legal questions are being addressed, unlawful models are being reviewed, and the boundaries of compliant market participation are becoming clearer over time. That ultimately strengthens the argument against the need for an additional medical cannabis reform. If the legal framework continues to be refined through case law, there is good reason to believe that compliant market participants will prevail in the long run without the need for new blanket restrictions. 

 

Germany as a European Hub 

Against this backdrop, one broader trend is becoming increasingly clear: Germany is positioning itself as the central hub of the cannabis industry in Europe. ICBC once again underscored that development. Despite ongoing regulatory debates, Germany remains the market the industry is watching, and the one where investment, innovation and strategic partnerships are increasingly concentrated. The regulatory environment remains highly structured and demanding, but anyone following developments in Berlin can see not only the current challenges, but also the growing potential of a European market in which Germany is already playing a leading role. 

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@www.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,

Evidence also emerges beyond classical study designs 

A broad evidence base for medicinal cannabis now exists worldwide, including documented treatment pathways and extensive real-world data from cohorts involving several tens of thousands of patients. These are complemented by clinical studies, even though randomized controlled trials are particularly difficult to conduct for cannabis flowers, for example because blinding is inherently limited in inhaled applications. 

A systematic overview of international literature also shows that the evidence base is continuously expanding and spans a wide range of indications (see the COPEIA database for healthcare professionals). This is not an unusual situation. In many established therapeutic areas, care is based on a combination of studies, real-world care data and physicians’ clinical experience. Gaps in the evidence therefore do not imply a lack of efficacy but often reflect structural limitations of research. 

 

Real-world care data show clear therapeutic patterns 

When medicinal cannabis was introduced in 2017, the BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) established a systematic accompanying survey in order to evaluate care in a scientific manner. The aim was to assess, on the basis of real prescribing data, how effective and meaningful its use is in practice, while at the same time creating a foundation for further research. 

The evaluation included data from around 21,000 treatments, allowing robust conclusions to be drawn about real-world care. One point is crucial, however: the accompanying survey only captures patients whose treatment was reimbursed by statutory health insurance. It therefore primarily reflects severe conditions for which reimbursement is possible. Areas of use involving less severe conditions, where medicinal cannabis is also used but often without reimbursement, are not included in these data. 

The evaluation also showed the indications in which medicinal cannabis is most commonly used: chronic pain, at 76.4 percent, was by far the most frequent reason for prescription. Around 70 percent of patients reported an improvement in quality of life, and symptom relief was documented in approximately 75 percent of cases. The accompanying survey therefore clearly shows that medicinal cannabis delivers relevant therapeutic effects in clinical practice. 

These findings have also informed the further development of the regulatory framework, for example through removing prior-approval requirements for certain specialist groups by the G-BA (Federal Joint Committee). 

 

Dosage form is part of the treatment decision 

Questions about evidence are often directed specifically at cannabis flowers. Yet it was precisely cannabis flowers that were made reimbursable through the 2017 reform. Inhaled and oral applications differ substantially in their pharmacokinetics, particularly with regard to onset of action, peak effect and duration of action. For many patients, inhaled use is therefore medically appropriate and indispensable. The assumption that inhaled therapies could generally be replaced by oral preparations falls short and does not reflect clinical reality. 

Prof. Dr. Kirsten R. Müller-Vahl also points this out, emphasizing that “the accompanying survey commissioned by the federal government clearly shows that cannabis flowers are overall more effective and improve quality of life more markedly than alternative finished medicinal products – with fewer adverse effects. The evidence base for oral cannabis extracts (with the exception of the finished medicinal product Sativex®) is comparable to that for cannabis flowers” (Medical Tribune, 23 March 2026). 

 

Research takes time and requires reliable framework conditions 

Medicinal cannabis has only been a regular part of reimbursable care in Germany for a few years. For a therapeutic field of this scale, the evidence base is therefore still developing dynamically. In addition, the regulatory environment continues to evolve. Large, long-term studies require planning certainty and considerable investment. The pace at which evidence is generated is therefore not only a scientific issue, but also a structural one. 

 

An evidence-based therapy still developing 

The evidence on medicinal cannabis is now broad and consistent enough to define clear areas of use and to support responsible prescribing. It includes clinical studies, extensive real-world care data and international experience. Further research will continue to refine this picture. One thing is clear: medicinal cannabis is not a therapy in an experimental stage, but an established part of medical care. Against this backdrop, the regulatory framework should also be shaped consistently on the basis of evidence and should reflect actual clinical practice. 

 

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@www.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,

Cannabis Flower and Extracts: The Core of Treatment 

Since 2017, most medical cannabis prescriptions in Germany have been based on cannabis flower and pharmacy-compounded preparations. (In individual cases, access was already possible before 2017 through special exemptions.) Cannabis flower is typically ground and inhaled using medical vaporizers. This allows for a fast onset of effects and flexible dosing. While it is a plant-based product, quality and consistency are tightly regulated. European Pharmacopoeia standards, for example, define acceptable ranges for active ingredients. 

 

Oral Administration: Oils, Extracts and Distillates 

Oral products are an important part of treatment, especially where a longer-lasting effect is needed. These include oil-based solutions, standardized extracts and highly purified distillates, usually taken as drops, capsules or oral sprays. 

Oil-based products, often containing dronabinol, can be dosed drop by drop. This makes them particularly useful when starting or adjusting treatment. Distillates are highly purified and contain a single cannabinoid at high concentration, allowing very precise dosing. 

Standardized extracts sit between these two approaches. They contain a defined mix of cannabinoids, offering consistency while still reflecting part of the plant’s natural profile. 

 

Approved Cannabis-Based Medicines 

In addition to compounded preparations, a small number of cannabis-based medicines are approved in Germany. These include THC-based products such as Canemes and combined THC and CBD products such as Sativex. Topical applications such as creams and ointments are also used in certain cases. 

These medicines follow the standard drug approval pathway, with clearly defined indications and clinical evidence. In practice, their use is more limited than that of individualized cannabis therapies. 

Cannabis-based treatments range from isolated active substances to full-spectrum plant products. Single-compound medicines allow for precise dosing and clear pharmacology. At the same time, the cannabis plant offers a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Their interaction, often referred to as the entourage effect, influences the therapeutic outcome. 

 

What’s Next: New Dosage Forms  

As the medical cannabis market continues to evolve, additional dosage forms are gaining attention in Germany. These include inhalation systems with standardized cartridges as well as new oral products with predefined doses, often referred to as gummies. 

Cartridge-based inhalation systems are used with vaporizers that are certified under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR). The cartridges can be filled with suitable cannabis extracts in the pharmacy before being dispensed to patients. These developments reflect a broader trend. Patients are looking for options that are simple, consistent and easy to integrate into daily life. This is particularly relevant for people with limited fine motor skills, for example those with tremor or neurological conditions. 

 

Conclusion 

For medical care, the key takeaway is clear: a broader range of dosage forms allows therapies to be tailored more precisely to individual patient needs and medical conditions. 

At the same time, the evolution of dosage forms highlights how dynamic the global medical cannabis field has become. For Germany, the key challenge will be to accommodate innovation while maintaining clear regulatory standards that ensure safety, quality and reliable patient care. 

 

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@www.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,

Telemedicine as part of modern healthcare 

Digital consultations are now firmly embedded in healthcare delivery. Video appointments and telephone consultations complement in-person care and can significantly improve access to treatment, particularly in underserved or rural areas. Similar digital models are already common for a range of other prescription medicines, including treatments related to men’s health or obesity. The regulatory question therefore goes beyond medical cannabis and reflects a broader shift toward digital healthcare services. 

 

Medical autonomy as the guiding principle 

Regardless of the format of consultation, one fundamental principle must remain central: clinical decision-making lies with the treating physician. This includes not only deciding which medication is appropriate, but also determining the most suitable form of interaction with the patient. Whether a physical examination is required, a phone call for a dosage adjustment is sufficient, or a video consultation is appropriate should remain a matter of professional judgment. With that discretion comes full responsibility, independent of the communication channel used. 

 

Clear guardrails for digital care models 

For digital prescribing models to function responsibly, clear regulatory guardrails are essential. This includes reliable patient identification in telemedical consultations as well as transparent and well-documented treatment processes. It also requires consistent enforcement of existing legal frameworks – such as Germany’s Act on the Advertising of Medicinal Products (Heilmittelwerbegesetz, HWG) – to ensure that prescribing decisions are not influenced by improper marketing or commercial incentives. At the same time, patients’ freedom to choose their pharmacy should remain protected, and a clear structural separation between medical prescribing and commercial distribution interests across the supply chain should be maintained. 

 

A balanced regulatory approach 

The ongoing discussion around telemedicine in the cannabis sector reflects a broader transformation in healthcare delivery. As digital care models continue to evolve, regulation should remain technology-neutral while keeping medical responsibility at its core. Telemedicine is neither a cure-all nor a structural risk in itself. The real task is to ensure high standards of care and patient protection while allowing modern forms of healthcare delivery to develop responsibly. 

 

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@www.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,

From Prohibition to Medical Legalization 

California set the precedent in 1996, becoming the first U.S. state to legalize medical cannabis. This marked a fundamental turning point in drug and health policy and initiated a dynamic that gradually spread to other states. A further shift occurred in 2012, when Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use. Today, many states have legalized medical cannabis, recreational cannabis, or both. At the same time, cannabis has remained illegal at the federal level, creating a structural tension between state and federal law that persists to this day. 

U.S. Cannabis Legal Status by State:  

The Most Significant Shift in U.S. Cannabis Policy in Around 50 Years 

In December, a politically and economically significant step followed at the federal level. President Trump initiated the formal process via executive order to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. This marked the first time the federal government formally acknowledged that cannabis should no longer be considered a substance with no accepted medical use. While the proposed reclassification does not constitute legalization and is not yet legally in force, it clearly signals a political reassessment at the federal level. 

 

Expected Effects of the Rescheduling Process 

This reassessment has one central implication: cannabis would no longer be regulated in the same category as heroin. From this, three key effects for the industry emerge. First, the tax burden could be significantly reduced. Until now, many companies were unable to deduct operating expenses for tax purposes because they were dealing with a Schedule I substance. Under Schedule III, profits could be taxed more realistically, potentially improving margins and making business models appear financially healthier. Second, research would become considerably easier. Clinical trials, medical applications, and the development of new products would be more feasible, opening doors in particular for pharmaceutical, healthcare, and medical cannabis companies. Third, rescheduling sends an important signal to banks and investors. Many financial institutions and funds that previously excluded cannabis for compliance reasons would gain greater regulatory flexibility. 

 

Capital Markets, Stocks, and the Revaluation of the Industry 

In capital markets, the decision has already had a noticeable impact. Cannabis-related ETFs recorded significant gains within a short period, and several funds focused on the U.S. market posted marked increases in December. Investors are now weighing whether this represents a short-term rebound or the beginning of a more sustainable revaluation of the sector. 

At the same time, key challenges remain. Cannabis is still illegal under federal law, and legal uncertainty continues to shape the market. One particularly striking feature is the structural contradiction in capital markets: U.S. companies generating revenues in the billions still operate in formal conflict with federal law and are excluded from major U.S. stock exchanges. Canadian companies, by contrast, are prohibited from engaging in THC businesses in the U.S. but are listed on Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange and have access to global capital. Cannabis is clearly a multibillion-dollar market, yet it is not treated as such in capital markets. This is precisely where the current revaluation begins: greater access to capital, more research, and increased trading activity could lead, over time, to a more sustainable valuation of an industry that has long outgrown its start-up phase. 

 

Improvements for Patients 

For patients, these developments are primarily a signal of recognition. The reassessment strengthens the medical positioning of cannabis and may, over the long term, help increase acceptance of prescribing practices, research, and patient care. At the same time, access remains highly dependent on individual state regulations. Differences in approved indications, prescribing practices, product availability, and reimbursement continue to shape everyday patient experience. While the federal reassessment is unlikely to change this in the short term, it does open up new opportunities over the medium term for evidence-based care and standardized medical frameworks. 

 

Relevance for Germany and the Domestic Debate 

For Germany, developments in the United States are particularly relevant from a strategic and comparative perspective. The U.S. model illustrates how reforms can be implemented incrementally and how much momentum medical cannabis can generate when regulatory recognition, research, and market access align. As Germany increasingly establishes itself as a relevant medical cannabis hub in Europe, developments in the U.S. remain an important reference point for shaping the market going forward. 

We look forward to continuing to follow these topics over the course of the year and to engaging in conversation with many of you in person at upcoming events.

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@www.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,

Medical Congresses & Scientific Exchange

The medical field remains one of the most dynamic drivers of the cannabis sector. In 2026, it is important to distinguish between specialised medical cannabis conferences and established medical congresses in which medical cannabis is not the sole focus, but increasingly addressed as a relevant component within specific therapeutic areas, particularly pain and palliative care.

Against this backdrop, a distinction must be made between dedicated medical cannabis congresses and medical conferences where medical cannabis is expected to form part of the programme. This development is particularly significant in light of the ongoing reform discussions surrounding the MedCanG and the continued integration of cannabis-based medicines into routine care.

 

Medical cannabis-specific conferences

• Medicinal Cannabis Congress | 28–29 May 2026 | Berlin

One of Germany’s leading conferences dedicated to medical cannabis. The focus is on clinical evidence, new indications, regulatory developments and practical experience from medical and pharmaceutical perspectives.

• BPC Symposium | Autumn 2026 | Location tba

Specialist event focusing on evidence-based cannabinoid therapies, guideline development and clinical practice.

 

Medical congresses with potential medical cannabis focus areas

• German Pain and Palliative Care Days | 19–21 March 2026 | Frankfurt

A central platform for pain and palliative medicine, where medical cannabis plays an increasingly important role, particularly in chronic pain and palliative care.

• 16th Congress of the German Society for Palliative Medicine | 23–26 September 2026 | Freiburg

Broad scientific programme on palliative care, including current developments in the use of cannabis-based medicines.

 

• German Pain Congress 2026 | 21–24 October 2026 | Mannheim

One of the most important German-language congresses on pain medicine, with growing relevance for cannabinoid-based therapies.

 

Business, Industry & Investor Events

For companies, investors and political stakeholders alike, 2026 will be a decisive year. International and national business events provide space for market analysis, strategic partnerships and regulatory assessment.

• Talman House Zurich | 20 February 2026 | Zurich, Switzerland

Exclusive business format focusing on strategic exchange, market trends and international perspectives within the cannabis industry.

• Talman House Berlin | 13 April 2026 | Berlin

Business event held in Germany’s political centre, with a focus on regulation, market structures and networking among key industry stakeholders.

• ICBC Berlin | 13–15 April 2026 | Berlin

A leading international business conference for the German cannabis industry and a central platform for exchange between industry, policymakers and investors.

• World Class Cannabis Business Europe | 19–20 May 2026 | Frankfurt

International conference focusing on business models, investment and regulatory frameworks in Europe.

• CB Expo | 15–17 September 2026 | Dortmund

German trade fair for the cannabis industry, with a focus on industrial players, start-ups and market integration.

• MJBizCon | 1–4 December 2026 | Las Vegas, USA

The world’s largest cannabis trade show and a key international event for anyone seeking to understand and shape global market developments.

 

Pharmacy- and Supply-Related Events

As medical cannabis continues to gain importance in routine care, pharmacies and pharmaceutical stakeholders are moving further into focus.

• Expopharm | 15–17 September 2026 | Munich

The leading trade fair for the pharmacy market. Medical cannabis is playing an increasingly prominent role, particularly with regard to supply, patient counselling and distribution.

• German Pharmacists’ Congress 2026 | held in parallel with Expopharm | Munich

The central professional and political forum for the German pharmacy sector. Resolutions and debates have direct implications for pharmacy practice, including in the field of medical cannabis.

 

Additional events with a recreational & community focus

Numerous events aimed more strongly at recreational consumers and the wider community will also take place in 2026. They reflect the cultural and societal dimension of the sector. These include Cannatrade (29.05.-31.05.2026 in Zurich), Mary Jane Berlin (11–14 June 2026, Berlin), Cannafair (21–23 August 2026, Meerbusch) and Cannafriends (25–27 September 2026, Ilsede).

 

The wide range of events demonstrates that the cannabis industry will remain in motion throughout 2026. Medical innovation, regulatory developments and economic dynamics are increasingly interlinked.

We look forward to continuing to follow these topics over the course of the year and to engaging in conversation with many of you in person at upcoming events.

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@www.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,

Political Outlook: MedCanG Moves Through Parliament 

At the start of the year, health policy discussions are dominated by the planned reform of the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG). Following the publication of a draft bill in summer 2025, the proposal has now entered the parliamentary process. 

A hearing before the Health Committee of the German Bundestag is scheduled for 14 January 2026. Amendments to the draft are expected on this basis before the bill proceeds to its second and third readings in parliament, followed by consideration in the Bundesrat. Under the current timeline, the legislation is expected to enter into force at the beginning of the second quarter of 2026, subject to further political adjustments during the legislative process. Much will depend on the extent to which patient care, legal certainty for physicians and pharmacies, and practical feasibility are reflected in the final version of the law. 

 

KCanG Evaluation: Extended Report Expected in Spring 

Alongside medical cannabis, adult-use regulation will remain politically relevant in 2026. An expanded evaluation report on the Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG) is expected in April, following the publication of an initial interim report last year. 

The findings are likely to inform the next phase of political debate. Depending on the outcome, further adjustments in the adult-use framework cannot be ruled out, particularly with regard to access pathways, approval procedures for cultivation associations, and the continued absence of model and research projects. As a result, 2026 is set to remain a year of close political scrutiny for the adult-use regime. 

 

Market Development: Stabilization and Professionalization 

After several years of rapid growth, Germany’s medical cannabis market is expected to continue stabilizing and professionalizing in 2026. Demand is likely to remain strong, driven by a growing patient population, increasing prescribing confidence among physicians, and the continued integration of medical cannabis into routine healthcare, supported by expanding research in established areas of use, including geriatrics. 

Despite ongoing regulatory uncertainty, market fundamentals remain solid. Telemedicine-based care models and mail-order dispensing are under political scrutiny, yet they have played a key role in expanding access and ensuring continuity of care, and they continue to shape the reality of provision for cannabis patients. Pharmacies are further consolidating their role as the central interface between patients, prescribers, and manufacturers, benefiting from greater operational experience in dispensing, counselling, and logistics. Import volumes are expected to level off at a high level, providing a stable basis for supply and planning. 

By contrast, the consumer cannabis framework remains outside market-based economic structures. In the absence of approved model or research projects, no commercial value chains have emerged. Cultivation associations are explicitly non-profit and designed solely to supply their members. 

 

A Year of Decisions 

Rather than marking a fresh start, 2026 represents a period of continued development for cannabis regulation in Germany. Following the entry into force of the Cannabis Act in 2024, it has become clear that regulation in this area is not static, but evolves over time. With the upcoming MedCanG reform and the expanded KCanG evaluation, key decisions lie ahead, alongside an industry that has increasingly learned to adapt constructively to regulatory change. 

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Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@www.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,

Adult-Use Cannabis: Decriminalization With Measurable Effects 

With the Cannabis Act entering into force in April 2024, cannabis consumption in Germany was comprehensively re-regulated for the first time. A central objective of the reform was to decriminalize consumption while steering it responsibly from a public health perspective. One year later, the first interim report by the ECOCAN evaluation group appointed by the federal government delivered important initial findings in the autumn. 

No increase in cannabis use among children and adolescents could be identified. Other frequently voiced concerns — such as an escalation of public consumption or significant additional burdens on municipalities — are likewise not supported by the available data. The evaluation therefore substantiates key assumptions of the reform and, for the first time, provides a robust empirical basis for further political debate. 

 

Limited Access Pathways and the Absence of Model Projects 

At the same time, the evaluation report makes clear that practical implementation in the adult-use sector has fallen short of expectations. Legal access pathways remain severely limited. Cannabis cultivation associations are struggling with complex approval procedures in many regions, and the number of licensed clubs remains well below initial projections. 

In addition, not a single one of the planned research projects has been approved, despite numerous applications having been submitted. As a result, precisely those controlled structures are missing that could both improve access and generate additional data for evidence-based regulatory development — in stark contrast to countries such as Switzerland, where comparable projects have been running successfully for around a year. 

The consequence: the legal adult-use market is currently able to meet existing demand only to a very limited extent. 

 

Medical Cannabis: Relief, Normalization, and New Momentum 

 

The new legislation also marked a major shift in the medical cannabis sector. By removing medical cannabis from the scope of narcotics law, a long-standing reform step was completed, lowering access barriers and normalizing care. For patients and physicians alike, this has meant greater room for maneuver, reduced stigmatization, and stronger integration into standard medical care. 

At the same time, the system remained in a phase of adjustment throughout this past year. Reimbursement risks and uncertainties in prescribing practices — particularly for statutory health insurance patients — persist. Nevertheless, it is unmistakable that medical cannabis has increasingly evolved from a niche product into a relevant segment of healthcare provision. 

 

Market Growth, Telemedicine, and Regulatory Re-Intervention 

This growth is reflected in sharply rising import volumes as well as in the rapid emergence of numerous telemedicine-based care models. Digital platforms have, for many patients, enabled low-threshold access to medical prescriptions for the first time, while an increasing number of mail-order pharmacies now deliver medications directly to patients’ homes. 

The new federal government has responded to these developments by presenting a draft bill to amend the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG) in the summer of 2025. With its proposed ban on telemedicine and mail-order dispensing, the reform focuses less on the structural development of medical care and more on restricting and controlling access pathways. As a result, the medical cannabis sector is once again becoming the subject of law-and-order policy debates — despite its primary anchoring within the healthcare system. 

(As of today, 18 December, 9:55 p.m., the draft bill is on the agenda of the German Bundestag. Those interested can follow the debate live.) 

 

A System Put to the Test in Practice 

The developments illustrate how closely market dynamics, care provision, and political steering are intertwined — and how quickly imbalances can emerge when individual components function only partially. 

The coming year will therefore be decisive in determining whether policymakers succeed in establishing a regulatory framework that does justice to the differing realities involved: a growing market, a heterogeneous patient population — both within statutory health insurance and among self-pay patients — pharmacies as central care providers, and prescribing physicians who continue to operate between a duty of care and legal uncertainty. 

 

As the year comes to a close, we wish you peaceful holidays with your families and time to recover from the political and professional demands of everyday life. Health remains — regardless of regulatory debates — the most important asset. 

We thank all readers of the Cannabis Briefing who have accompanied us throughout the year. It has been a pleasure to walk this path together and to continuously contextualize developments in the cannabis sector. We wish you a successful start to the new year and look forward to continued exchange. 

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@www.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,