Germany Medical Cannabis Market, by Route of Administration, 2018-2027

Growth Outlook

• The 2027 portion of the Germany Medical Cannabis Market, by Route of Administration, 2018 market is on a steady long-term growth path. Segment value stands at roughly USD 3007 Mn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 3787 Mn by 2027 — a gain of about 26% over the forecast period, translating to a CAGR in the double digits.
• Medical cannabis has been gaining popularity in Germany in recent years due to its potential health benefits, leading to an increased demand for the product in the country's medical industry. The German government legalized medical cannabis in 2017, making it one of the few European countries to do so.
• What the regional split looks like (2026): Inhalation leads, holding roughly 59% of segment value — the single largest regional share. Oral is the second-largest contributor. Topical make up the remainder, in descending order.
• By 2027, Inhalation alone is expected to reach USD 2223 Mn, with Oral at USD 1038 Mn.

Market Dynamics

Medical cannabis has been gaining popularity in Germany in recent years due to its potential health benefits, leading to an increased demand for the product in the country's medical industry. The German government legalized medical cannabis in 2017, making it one of the few European countries to do so. With a population of over 83 million and a progressive healthcare system, Germany has become a lucrative market for medical cannabis. One of the key factors driving the demand for medical cannabis in Germany is the variety of available routes of administration. Patients have the option to choose from different methods of consuming medical cannabis, including oral consumption, inhalation, and topical application. This provides patients with various options to suit their individual preferences and medical needs. Oral consumption is one of the most common routes of administration for medical cannabis in Germany. It involves consuming cannabis in the form of capsules, oils, tinctures, or edibles. This method is preferred by many patients as it is discreet and easy to use. It also has a longer-lasting effect compared to other methods, making it a suitable option for patients with chronic conditions.

Inhalation is another popular route of administration for medical cannabis in Germany. Patients can either smoke dried cannabis flowers or use vaporizers to inhale the vaporized cannabis. This method provides a quicker onset of the effects, making it a suitable option for patients who require immediate relief from their symptoms. However, due to the potential harm caused by smoking, some patients prefer using a vaporizer. Topical application involves applying medical cannabis directly to the skin in the form of creams, lotions, or patches. This method is primarily used for localized pain relief and is preferred by patients who do not want to consume cannabis orally or through inhalation. Topical application is also a popular choice among seniors as it does not have any psychoactive effects and is easy to use. In conclusion, the demand for medical cannabis in Germany is driven by the availability of different routes of administration, providing patients with a variety of options to choose from. Each method has its own unique benefits, and patients can select the most suitable one based on their individual needs and preferences. This diversity in routes of administration has contributed to the growth of the medical cannabis market in Germany.

Research Methodology

Figures reflect Wantstats’ original market research and forecasting models, compiled as part of the Wantstats research archive and published in 2024.