The new Global Medical Cannabis Market Review 2026 from Prohibition Partners paints a clear picture: the global market for medical cannabis has fundamentally transformed over the past twelve months—and Germany is playing a key role.
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With an estimated market value of around $997 million in 2025, Germany is on the verge of breaking the billion-dollar threshold and is already the largest patient market for medical cannabis outside North America. Growth of 155 percent compared to the previous year speaks volumes.
Germany Leads Europe—with Massive Growth
What seemed utopian just a few years ago is now hard market reality: the regulatory shifts of recent years—particularly removing the plant from controlled substance legislation and introducing new cannabis regulations—have unleashed the German market. Prescription platforms and telemedicine providers benefited especially, with prescription volumes exploding. With 35 identified teleclinics, Germany ranks second globally in telemedical access to this therapy—behind Australia (47) and ahead of the United Kingdom (29).
By comparison, the second-largest European market, the United Kingdom, reached $298 million according to the report—with growth of 104 percent also respectable, but barely half Germany’s size. To understand how profoundly new legislation has shaped the market, just look at the raw numbers. Germany breaking the 200-ton mark in medical cannabis imports in 2025 is a direct expression of this dynamic.
Canada Dominates Global Exports
Who profits from Germany’s hunger for medical cannabis? Primarily Canada. According to the report, the North American country supplied approximately 275,343 kilograms in 2025—a jump of over 250 percent year-over-year. This export volume exceeds all other supplier nations combined.
Canada’s advantage is obvious: the established domestic market for the plant creates enormous economies of scale, making production and processing cheaper than elsewhere. Canada has positioned itself as the global center for such exports—a development unlikely to reverse in coming years. Export growth was already a topic a few years ago, but recent figures show the gap to other exporting nations has grown dramatically since then.
Telemedicine: The New Standard in Healthcare Delivery
One of the most striking findings of the report is telemedicine’s dominance. In all major markets—Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Brazil—digital doctor-patient communication has become the primary access route. The traditional practice takes a back seat; the laptop or smartphone becomes the hub for care delivery.
For Germany, this means: developing telemedicine structures for the cannabis sector is no longer an optional add-on service—it’s the backbone of the market. 35 teleclinics, millions of prescriptions, an almost entirely digitally managed care system—this has consequences for the entire industry, from pharmacies to producers.
Portugal: From Producer to Processing Hub
A structural shift is occurring in Portugal, according to the report. The country, long hailed as a showcase for European production, now imports substantial quantities of raw material—mostly from Canada—and processes it for re-export as finished product. Portugal could soon become a net importer, despite continued impressive export figures.
This matters for European industry structure: anyone relying on Portugal as a low-cost producer must rethink their supply chains. And Europe overall is increasingly becoming a market dependent on non-European raw material. The European medical cannabis market has recently posted record growth—Portugal was previously one of the drivers. Its new role as a processing hub represents a remarkable shift.
What Does This Mean for Patients and Industry in Germany?
For patients in Germany, the report confirms what many experience daily: access has noticeably improved, care is broader, wait times shorter. The market value of $997 million is not an abstract concept, but the result of millions of prescriptions, pharmacy visits, and telemedicine appointments.
For the industry, it’s a wake-up call. A market that grew 155 percent in twelve months attracts investors and competitors—but it also creates new demands. Quality assurance must keep pace with volume; regulation must catch up. Europe watches Germany—but Germany itself must maintain its standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the German medical cannabis market in 2025?
According to Prohibition Partners‘ market report, the German market for 2025 is estimated at around $997 million. This represents 155 percent growth compared to the previous year and makes Germany the largest patient market outside North America.
Where does most medical cannabis in Germany come from?
The majority of cannabis used in Germany comes from Canada. The country exported approximately 275,343 kilograms in 2025—over 250 percent more than the previous year—supplying more than all other nations combined.
Why is telemedicine growing so strongly in this sector?
Telemedicine has established itself as the most convenient and fastest route to prescriptions. Patients can obtain a prescription via video consultation without traveling to a practice. According to the report, 35 teleclinics operate in Germany, significantly contributing to market growth.
What is Portugal’s role in the European market?
Portugal is undergoing structural transformation: rather than functioning as a producer, it increasingly serves as a processing center. The country imports raw material—primarily from Canada—processes it, and re-exports finished products. The report suggests Portugal will soon become a net importer despite continued substantial export figures.
What are the impacts of new legislation on the market?
Removing the plant from controlled substance legislation and introducing new regulations have massively boosted the German market. Prescription barriers were eliminated, telemedicine became the standard access route, and the total patient population grew significantly. The 155 percent market growth in just one year is a direct consequence of this regulatory opening.
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