Agenda 2026 – Key Cannabis Events for Medicine, Business and Supply
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,
Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Outlook 2026 – Regulation, Market Developments, and Political Direction in Germany
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.
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,
Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
The Year 2025 – Cannabis Policy Between Decriminalization and Re-Regulation
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,
Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Could the Medical Cannabis Reform Become a Cost Trap?
Stricter Requirements: Patients Would Need to Return to In-Person Consultations
The current draft stipulates that prescriptions for medical cannabis would require an in-person doctor–patient consultation. Telemedical prescriptions – currently a low-threshold option for many patients with milder complaints such as sleep disorders, headaches, or stress-related symptoms – could be discontinued. Since these patients generally do not qualify for statutory health insurance reimbursement and usually pay out of pocket, eliminating telemedicine would create a tangible barrier: more travel, higher costs, longer waiting times. Physicians willing to prescribe medical cannabis are already in the minority, especially outside urban centers. A a situation that could intensify.
Restricted Supply: No More Shipping from German Pharmacies
The draft also states that mail-order dispensing of medical cannabis from German pharmacies would no longer be permitted. This would create significant challenges for patients who are not mobile or who live in regions with sparse pharmacy coverage and limited cannabis expertise. Many pharmacies do not stock medical cannabis or only order it on demand, often with delays. The result could be a structural worsening of access, particularly in rural areas, affecting not only self-pay patients but also those relying on statutory health insurance who depend on consistent medication supply.
How Significant Could the Cost Risks Be for the Healthcare System?
One aspect that has received little attention so far is the question of which additional costs might arise if more patients in the future had to attend in-person appointments. A recent study suggests that increasing mandatory doctor visits could lead to substantial additional expenditures, both for statutory health insurance and for medical practices. More required appointments, more documentation, and more administrative workload would inevitably consume more resources.
It is also possible that the statutory health insurance system is currently benefiting from a degree of implicit cost relief: many patients do not submit applications for reimbursement — whether because they struggle to find a prescribing physician, doctors remain cautious due to potential clawbacks, or patients rely on telemedical services and pay out of pocket. If access were to shift more toward in-person care, more patients might formally test or claim their entitlement to reimbursement, potentially resulting in direct or indirect financial burdens for the statutory health insurance.
Supply Gaps and a Possible Shift Back to the Illicit Market
It is also likely that certain patient groups, particularly those with milder complaints currently treated via telemedicine, might increasingly turn back to the illicit market. Home cultivation and Cannabis Clubs would not be able to replace medical care: they neither provide the required product quality nor the necessary supply capacity. The fact that no pilot projects, such as those introduced in Switzerland, have been approved so far could further widen this structural supply gap.
As early as October, EKOCAN stated – as part of the first evaluation stage of the CanG – that “consumers have too little legal cannabis available” and that the market as a whole suffers from a major supply deficit.
Reform Requiring Further Refinement
The need to reform the medical cannabis framework is undisputed. While the draft might introduce additional regulation, it would not necessarily increase supply security. Instead, it could risk creating new barriers without delivering clear benefits. The upcoming committee hearings and parliamentary deliberations will show whether lawmakers will be willing to address these issues and make the necessary adjustments.
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,
Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
From the Bundesrat to the Bundestag – What Comes Next for the MedCanG Reform
The Recommendation of the Bundesrat Health Committee – First Signals from the Federal States
The Health Committee’s recommendation for the Bundesrat was published on 6 November and forms the technical foundation for today’s deliberations in the Bundesrat. For the first time, the federal states have outlined clearly where the reform proposal should be further refined to ensure that the planned changes work reliably in practice. The recommendations focus on making key provisions workable — for example, pharmacy oversight, verification of the required in-person doctor–patient contact, and enforcing the proposed ban on shipping cannabis flower.
Because these points directly concern how the new rules would later be implemented by state authorities, it is widely expected that the Bundesrat will adopt the committee’s recommendation with only minor adjustments.
The Parliamentary Roadmap – Crucial Months Ahead
On 3 December, the Federal Government will issue its official response to the Bundesrat’s position, marking the start of the next stage of the process. The first reading in the Bundestag follows on 18 December, where the draft will be introduced and formally referred to the committees.
From January onward, the detailed work begins: the Health Committee will hold expert hearings, draft amendments, and reconcile the different positions within the governing coalition. This phase will reveal where substantial changes to the bill are likely — whether on the shipping ban, the treatment of telemedicine, or the definition of in-person medical consultations.
If you want to follow the process, you can easily do so online:
– Bundestag debates (including the first, second, and third readings) are broadcast live on parliamentary television and made available in the Bundestag media library afterwards.
– The Bundesrat also streams its plenary sessions live and publishes documents such as opinions and recommendations openly on its website.
The second and third readings in the Bundestag are planned for spring 2026, followed by another round in the Bundesrat. Depending on transitional arrangements, the earliest likely date for the law to come into force is spring or summer 2026.
The Role of the Bundestag – Political Dynamics and Substantive Direction
Although the draft originally came from the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), led by the CDU, it is the Bundestag phase that will ultimately determine which overarching health policy approach prevails. The SPD has already expressed doubts about several elements of the proposal. Signals from members of the Social Democratic group — including Matthias Mieves — suggest that while clear rules on prescribing and supply security are supported, access to medical cannabis should not be limited by overly restrictive requirements.
This means the SPD is likely to play an influential role in the committee process, pushing to adjust key provisions — particularly those concerning in-person doctor–patient contact, telemedicine, and the proposed shipping ban. The Bundestag will ultimately decide whether the law is tightened mainly from a regulatory perspective or also developed further with a stronger focus on patient access.
What the Next Steps Mean for Patients and the Sector
For patients, physicians, pharmacies, and companies, the coming months will be decisive. The central question is how supply security will ultimately be ensured: How can a reliable, locally accessible pathway to medical cannabis treatment be established without undermining essential medical safeguards? As the parliamentary phase unfolds, this is the right moment to engage, bring forward practical perspectives, and help shape a regulatory framework that supports both patient needs and responsible implementation.
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!
Fewer Opioids, More Perspectives – What Current Studies on Medical Cannabis Reveal
Observational Data from Germany: Indications of Reduced Opioid Use
A practice-based analysis (Gastmeier et al., 2022) examined what happens when elderly pain patients are additionally treated with cannabis-based medicines. The results are encouraging: opioid use dropped by roughly 50% on average, with no significant adverse effects reported. Most patients were over 70 years old, suffered from chronic pain, and tolerated cannabis preparations well; in most cases, low THC doses were sufficient. The potential to reduce opioid use is particularly relevant for older patients, for whom sedation, fall risk, and respiratory depression are major concerns. While the study cannot replace randomized controlled trials (RCTs), it provides real-world evidence that medical cannabinoids can be used safely in elderly patients and may be associated with a significant reduction in opioid consumption.
New York: Long-Term Cannabis Use and Opioid Dose Reduction
Similar trends have been observed in the United States. A study by the New York State Department of Health (Nguyen et al., 2023) followed more than 8,000 patients with chronic pain who received medical cannabis. The longer the treatment lasted, the greater the reduction in opioid dosage – in some cases by more than 50%. The effect was particularly pronounced among patients with high baseline doses, who were able to lower their opioid levels substantially over time. These findings suggest that medical cannabis could help reduce overall opioid exposure and thereby decrease risks such as dependence and overdose. However, questions remain regarding the specific role of different cannabinoid formulations and the causal mechanisms underlying the association between cannabis use and opioid reduction.
Population-Level Data: Cannabis Legislation and Prescribing Behavior in the U.S.
On a broader scale, a U.S. nationwide analysis (Lozano-Rojas et al., 2025) explored how cannabis legislation affects opioid prescribing among cancer patients. The results were significat: in states that allowed cannabis dispensaries to open, opioid prescriptions decreased by about 25%. Medical cannabis thus emerges as a subtle public health factor – fewer opioids, fewer risks, improved quality of life. The findings indicate that cannabis could serve as a partial substitute for opioids in managing cancer-related pain. Still, the data are correlational, not causal. Further research is needed to understand individual mechanisms and long-term effects. Yet the evidence supports the notion that broader access to medical cannabis may have positive population-level impacts on medication use and public health outcomes.
Medical Cannabis Can Change – and Possibly Save – Lives
The evidence base is still young, but it points in a clear direction. While cannabis does not replace classical opioid therapy, it may become a credible adjunct or substitution therapy in certain areas. It enables a gentler, safer approach to pain management, especially where conventional medications reach their limits. In an aging society where people live longer and approach medication use more consciously, medical cannabis could become a genuine opportunity – for greater quality of life, less risk, and a form of medicine that once again places the individual at its center.
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!
Cansativa Expert Dialogue – Behind the Scenes of Medical Cannabis Supply
How did you come into your current role?
I grew up in Mörfelden-Walldorf – the same place where our facility is located. I’ve followed Cansativa’s story from the beginning and was fascinated early on by how the medical cannabis sector was evolving. When the opportunity arose to join the company, it felt like the perfect fit — not just a job, but something I’m truly passionate about. In a way, it was destiny.
What does your daily work look like – is there any such thing as routine?
Routine is something we rarely have. We’re in a very dynamic phase: new processes, increasing volumes, changing regulatory requirements – no day is like the one before. I currently lead a team of around 17 people, split between logistics and operations. The expectations keep growing – not only professionally, but also in terms of leadership. Change is something you can’t just impose from the top; you have to bring your team along.
How do you ensure quality and safety in the supply chain?
We work strictly according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GDP (Good Distribution Practice). This means we guarantee full traceability, all critical processes follow the four-eyes principle, and our entire warehouse operation is temperature-controlled. We intentionally go beyond what is legally required. If the benchmark is set at one meter, we aim to jump one and a half. Quality, safety, and precision are not add-ons for us – they’re at the core of what we do. We also use digital tools such as handheld scanners for every goods movement to minimize the risk of human error.
Which technological or operational innovations are on your radar for the future?
We see great potential in further digitalizing our processes. We are evaluating the use of AI-assisted camera systems for automated quality control and RFID technologies to achieve even more efficient traceability throughout the supply chain. Of course, this only works if our partners are on board – from manufacturers to logistics providers. True efficiency gains can only be realized collaboratively.
How is your team evolving as the company grows – what mindset is needed?
Over the past two years, we have fundamentally restructured our team. This involved integrating many new colleagues with strong expertise. Now, it’s about incorporating their insights and shaping the next stage of development together. We have successfully evolved from a small family-run business into a structured, medium-sized company – while maintaining our hands-on spirit. It’s an exciting phase that requires strong communication and mutual trust.
Is there a particular moment from the warehouse that stands out to you?
In the early days, our daily deliveries were picked up with a small refrigerated van. Today, it’s a full-sized truck. I’m looking forward to the day we can fill that truck completely — that will be a powerful symbol of how many pharmacies and patients we now supply. It perfectly illustrates how far both our operations and the entire industry have come.
We thank Adrian Vicente for sharing his insights and for giving us a look behind the scenes of operations at Cansativa.
The Cansativa Expert Dialogue once again highlights that excellence in medical cannabis supply begins where passion meets precision.
Medical Cannabis on Its Way to Parliament – What the Cabinet Approval Means Now
What could change for patients?
As already proposed in the July draft, the core elements of the initiative remain unchanged in the version now approved by the Cabinet. Initial prescriptions of cannabis flower would still be permitted only after a personal consultation – either in a doctor’s office or during a house visit. For repeat prescriptions, at least one such in-person consultation per year would be required. The planned ban on shipping cannabis flower by mail also remains part of the draft. This point had already sparked debate in the earlier draft, particularly regarding access in rural areas and for patients with limited mobility.
Import figures, telemedicine – and a question of interpretation
The Federal Ministry of Health continues to justify its proposal by pointing to a sharp rise in import figures, which it links to growing use of telemedical platforms. But this is exactly where political and public debate begins. After all, the numbers tell more than one story. While cannabis flower imports rose by around 170% in the second half of 2024, the number of prescriptions issued through statutory health insurance (GKV) increased only moderately. This suggests that reclassification of medical cannabis – which is no longer listed as a narcotic – has opened access to therapy for many patients who were previously excluded. These may include those without a qualifying serious diagnosis under insurance regulations. At the same time, feedback from the field shows that patients with chronic illness or mobility issues in particular have benefited from mail-order access – especially in rural areas, where local pharmacies offering cannabis flower are often hard to find.
Legislation in motion: Parliament will have its say
With the cabinet’s approval, the draft bill is now on its way to the Bundestag – and it is widely expected that key aspects of the proposal will be amended in the legislative process. Early voices, including from within the governing coalition, have already indicated that revisions are needed – especially regarding the proposed shipping ban and the requirement for in-person doctor-patient contact. At the same time, a separate review process is underway at the EU level: the notification submitted to the European Commission allows both the Commission and other Member States to raise concerns, particularly around restrictions on telemedical services and potential conflicts with the EU’s freedom to provide cross-border services. While it remains to be seen when and in what form objections will be raised, one thing is clear: this is not the end of the debate.
Now is the time to get involved
This is a crucial time to stay engaged. While the public consultation phase has ended, the parliamentary process still offers opportunities to contribute – through professional associations, policy dialogues, or direct outreach to lawmakers. Those who support a balanced, patient-focused, and legally robust regulatory framework should make their voices heard now. Because once again, this legislative process shows just how narrow the path can be between political steering and the practical realities of care. That’s why it’s so important to help shape it constructively.
The Cannabis Act Under Review: What Can We Expect?
Germany: No increase among adolescents
The latest Drug Affinity Study shows higher use among 18–25-year-olds than a decade ago, while adolescent use has not increased. Frankfurt’s 2024 MoSyD survey points in the same direction, reporting new lows among 15–18-year-olds. In short: no youth “boom,” just a modest uptick among young adults — a pattern also reflected in the new figures from the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG). At the same time, evidence at home and abroad suggests that clear legal channels can shrink the illicit market over time. Tracking this shift in sources of supply will be a core focus of the evaluation.
Canada: Youth stable; edibles as the outlier
The evaluation will ultimately show what this means for Germany, but Canada offers a useful benchmark: since 2018, the share of illicit purchases has fallen to around three percent — a strong sign that legal channels can displace black markets. Youth prevalence has remained broadly stable, while product use shifted after edibles were introduced — a pattern that matters less for Germany, where edibles aren’t permitted under the CanG. For Germany’s assessment, the key question is whether non-commercial clubs and home growing deliver the intended protections without introducing new risks.
Uruguay: A steady state model
A quick look at Uruguay rounds out the picture. As the first country to legalise adult-use in 2013, it provides valuable lessons. Despite early concerns, the state-regulated model — home grow, clubs and pharmacies — has not produced a sustained increase in youth consumption. In practice, design matters more than the legal label: channels, product rules and prevention make the difference.
Evaluation: Data before interpretation
How will Germany’s evaluation proceed? By law, there’s a phased timetable: an initial assessment is due by 1 October 2025, focused on consumption bans around schools (§5 KCanG) and their impact on child and youth protection. An interim report follows by 1 April 2026, including effects on cannabis-related organised crime. The final report is due by 1 April 2028. The EKOCAN consortium, commissioned by the Health Ministry, coordinates secondary data, original surveys and market monitoring.
Evidence-based adjustment, not symbolic debate
That sequence is right for evidence-based policy: measure first, then adjust. Expect sober findings — on real youth trends, child and youth protection, and easing pressure on the illicit market. The open question is how federal and state governments will weigh the data — and whether they’ll fine-tune policy consistently in line with the evidence.
Switzerland Moves Forward with Legalization
A Process Gathers Momentum
It comes as no surprise that Switzerland is following its own path. For several years now, pilot projects in cities such as Basel, Zurich and Lausanne have tested the controlled distribution of cannabis for recreational use. These scientifically monitored programs provide valuable data on consumption patterns, public health and the displacement of the black market. The new legislative draft builds directly on these findings. Unlike recreational cannabis, medical cannabis in Switzerland has already been regulated since 2022 and is dispensed via medical prescriptions through pharmacies.
The Proposed Market Model
The preliminary draft of the Cannabis Products Act sets out a series of strict rules. Adults will be permitted to purchase, possess and consume cannabis legally, but only through tightly regulated, licensed outlets. Distribution may not be profit-oriented. Advertising will be banned, packaging must be neutral and child-resistant, and an electronic tracking system will ensure transparency across the entire supply chain. In addition, a steering levy will make high-THC products more expensive, with the aim of encouraging consumption of lower-risk alternatives.
A Look at the Neighbors
In a European comparison, Switzerland is charting a very distinct course. In Germany’s Cannabis Consumption Act (KCanG), the focus is on cannabis clubs or so-called cultivation associations, complemented by the option of home cultivation. Possession has also been decriminalized by removing cannabis from the Narcotics Act. Switzerland, on the other hand, intends to continue classifying cannabis as a narcotic and to restrict sales exclusively to licensed outlets. A particular feature is the so-called online license: the federal government plans to grant only a single concession for digital sales. This would allow consumers to order cannabis products directly through a central, federally licensed online shop — in addition to purchases from local, licensed stores.
From Consultation to Law
The road to full legalization is still long. After the consultation period, parliamentary deliberations will follow, and in the end, a referendum could be held. Realistically, implementation is not expected for another two to three years. What is clear already, however, is that Switzerland aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework built on the experience of its pilot projects — a nationwide structure ensuring legal access to recreational cannabis. With this model, Switzerland could set benchmarks across Europe.