Germany cannabis imports surge sixfold amid calls for stricter regulations

Germany has become Europe’s largest regulated cannabis market following partial legalization laws passed in 2024. Recent data shows a massive surge in medical cannabis imports, rising from 8,143 kilograms in the first quarter of 2024 to 50,539 kilograms during the same period this year.

The market's value reached approximately $997 million in 2025. While the law allows adults to possess and grow certain amounts of cannabis, the rapid increase in imports and rising hospitalizations linked to high-potency strains have sparked intense political debate.

Conservative parties, including the CDU and CSU, are calling for stricter regulations. Bavarian Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt criticized the current law, while Family Minister Karin Prien has advocated for stronger addiction prevention measures for youth. In response, the German Ministry of Health has prepared a proposal to further restrict medical cannabis use to prevent recreational abuse, a move the Social Democrats are opposing. The Bundestag is expected to discuss these amendments in the autumn.