Supply and demand of medical cannabis in Germany after legalisation: exploring 12 months of data from an online dispensary.

BACKGROUND

In April 2024, medical cannabis was removed from the list of narcotic drugs in Germany. This case study explores trends in the supply and demand of medical cannabis over a one-year period.

METHODS

Information on available cannabis flower products (including product names, sales prices, stock quantities and THC and CBD concentrations) was regularly accessed from one online dispensary in Germany. Product demand was ascertained by differences in stock quantity over time. Accounting for the impact of %THC and prices, the supply and demand of medical cannabis were explored.

FINDINGS: Between December 2024 (n=266) and November 2025 (n=401), the number of cannabis flower products available for purchase increased (total availability across the study period: n=996). Median %THC remained mostly stable, but the price per 10mg THC dropped by -0.003€ every week (95% Confidence Interval[CI]: -0.004 to -0.002€). Products with 20 to 29.9% THC made up more than two-thirds of total demand. Product demand quantities increased with every percentage point higher %THC (Incidence Rate Ratio[IRR]=1.13, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.17) and decreased with every € higher price (IRR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.55 to 0.63; R2 = 0.38). The price changed at least once for about every second product, with price reductions being associated with demand increases.

CONCLUSIONS

This case study suggests that a highly dynamic commercial market for medical cannabis is evolving in Germany. The increasing demand for cheap products with high %THC contrasts with the available evidence on the safe use of medical cannabis use. Current regulation of the medical cannabis market may not align with public health principles.