# German medical cannabis regulation debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-medical-cannabis-regulation-debate > Updated: 2026-09-15T13:20:12.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Following partial legalization in 2024, Germany has seen a massive surge in medical cannabis imports. Data indicates imports rose from 8,143 kilograms in the first quarter of 2024 to 50,539 kilograms during the same period in 2026, with projections suggesting imports could reach 300 tons this year. The rapid market growth and rising hospitalizations linked to high-potency strains have triggered significant political debate. Conservative parties and the Health Minister have criticized the current system, particularly the ease of obtaining cannabis through telemedicine and online mail-order platforms. Health Minister Carsten Linnemann stated that “consumption cannabis at the touch of a button via mail order no longer has anything to do with healthcare.” A government draft bill is currently before the Bundestag. The proposed legislation seeks to restrict cannabis flower prescriptions to instances requiring direct contact with a physician and mandates that distribution occur through pharmacies rather than online shipping to prevent recreational abuse. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-15: Germany's Health Minister seeks stricter medical cannabis rules German Health Minister Carsten Linnemann is pushing for stricter medical cannabis rules to curb abuse and end easy online ordering via telemedicine. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germanys-health-minister-seeks-stricter-medical-cannabis-rules ### 2026-08-23: Germany cannabis imports surge sixfold amid calls for stricter regulations Germany's medical cannabis imports have surged sixfold, sparking political debate over health risks and recreational abuse as the government considers stricter regulations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-cannabis-imports-surge-sixfold-amid-calls-for-stricter-regulations --- Cite as: German medical cannabis regulation debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-medical-cannabis-regulation-debate