Online cannabis sales surge in Germany as regulators move to respond

Since Germany liberalized cannabis two years ago, telemedicine platforms and online pharmacies have driven rapid growth in legal cannabis imports and sales, and Health Minister Nina Warken has proposed tighter rules requiring in-person prescriptions while the industry pushes back.

Online telemedicine platforms and mail-order pharmacies have quickly become a major route for obtaining prescribed cannabis in Germany since liberalization two years ago. Imports and domestic sales have climbed sharply, and a mix of legal challenges, industry lobbying and political proposals has followed. Health Minister Nina Warken introduced legislation to require in-person doctor visits and limit fulfillment to brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Lawmakers from the governing coalition plan further talks after their break at the end of February. What we know: - Imports of medical cannabis rose to an estimated 192 tons in 2025, up from 32 tons in 2023, and domestic sales increased from nearly €1 billion in 2024 to roughly €2 billion in 2025, according to BPC. - Dozens of online platforms (examples include Weed.de, Bloomwell and DrAnsay) and pharmacies (such as HiGreen and Kissel Apotheke) offer remote assessments, prescriptions and mail-order cannabis products. - Health Minister Nina Warken proposed requiring in-person doctor visits and restricting fulfillment to physical pharmacies; the industry has lobbied against those measures. - A Hamburg court in January issued an injunction against Zazaxpress, banning prescriptions without in-person consultations and stopping certain marketing claims after a challenge from Apothekenkammer Nordrhein. - Public insurance–paid cannabis orders rose modestly (about 9% in 2024) while overall prescriptions surged, and some experts have expressed concern that many out-of-pocket purchases could be recreational use presented as medical therapy. Summary: The rapid expansion of online cannabis sales has created a significant new market and prompted regulatory concern about possible misuse and advertising practices. Industry groups and pharmacies are pushing back against proposals that would require in-person consultations and limit mail-order fulfillment. Coalition talks on a compromise are scheduled to continue after lawmakers return at the end of February. An industry analyst described the moment as a market "coming of age" that may lead to consolidation among providers.