Dr. Stefan Stromeier
Senior Consultant · Qualified Person
Following medical cannabis’ clearance as a prescribable narcotic drug, the market has continued to grow exponentially with no end in sight. In order to establish cannabis as a serious evidence-based drug, intensive research is also being carried out into its effects, efficacy, side effects, therapeutic potential, (new) ranges of indication and dosage forms.
On the side of the growers and extract producers, it is certainly no coincidence that the lots went to companies with Canadian roots and experience in cannabis cultivation. The German pioneer in the industry, Bionorica, recently sold its division – to a Canadian company.
The development of the market and commodity prices will depend on future political decisions. Despite these developments, market experts are already predicting that the harvest volumes granted in Germany will not be sufficient to meet the rapidly growing demand. No more than 2.6 tonnes of German cannabis will be available per year, and it will not be coming on the market until the end of 2020. That is because the German plantations are still currently under construction, with the plants still needing to be grown, harvested and processed first.
According to the statistical trend from the past two years, it is foreseeable that demand will soon exceed this permissible German harvest. Import to Germany specifically, and to the European Union (EU imports) in general, will therefore remain a topic of interest for pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers of health products, who also want a share of this growth market.
We at Diapharm currently support numerous companies through advice and implementation regarding
As an active substance, cannabis cannot be compared to other herbal medicinal products. The German Narcotics Drugs Act (BtMG) and the associated safety guidelines impose strict requirements that include an import permit from the competent authorities of the countries of origin, a further import permit under German narcotics law and a special import analysis. Specialised know-how is therefore a must. In addition, companies wishing to participate in the cannabis boom will also need the capacity to respond quickly to any potential changes in regulatory and political requirements. We at Diapharm are here to help you in your undertaking. Contact us!