Trust in the use of cannabis for pain therapy is increasing in Germany. The number of doctors prescribing cannabis for pain therapy has risen by 56 percent compared to 2020. This is shown by a study conducted by Grünhorn, Germany’s largest distributor of prescription cannabis.

This increase is largely driven by cannabis pharmacies. Cannabis prescribed for pain therapy is a relatively new medical field in Germany, but it is regulated with strict requirements. According to Grünhorn, the advantages of pharmacies that focus their expertise and logistics specifically on cannabis distribution are particularly evident here. Not surprisingly, with growing trust, the volume of cannabis shipped has also increased: it rose by nearly 100 percent compared to 2021.

This strong growth allows for clear conclusions, according to Stefan Fritsch, founder of Grünhorn: “The therapeutic potential of cannabis in pain treatment is being used more widely but is far from being fully realized. Stigma and lack of information hinder widespread application. Therefore, we see the increasing numbers as a very positive sign of growing acceptance among both doctors and the public.”

Grünhorn analyzed its own order data for the study. “The results are based on an analysis of our orders over the past 24 months. The actual figures are likely even higher. Since over 20 percent of the total 12 tons of cannabis prescribed in Germany in 2022 were shipped by Grünhorn, we are confident that we are providing representative figures,” says Fritsch.