Market Overview 2025-2033

The Europe medical cannabis market size reached USD 2,586.1 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 12,652.9 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 18.33% during 2025-2033. The market is growing due to increasing legalization, rising medical applications, and expanding research initiatives. Innovations in product development, regulatory support, and patient demand are driving expansion, making it a dynamic and evolving industry.

Key Market Highlights:

✔️ Rapid market growth driven by increasing legalization and acceptance of cannabis for medical use

✔️ Rising demand for cannabis-based treatments in pain management, neurology, and oncology

✔️ Expanding research and investment in pharmaceutical-grade cannabis production and innovation

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Europe Medical Cannabis Market Trends and Drivers:

The medical cannabis market in Europe is undergoing rapid transformation as more countries embrace its therapeutic potential for a range of chronic and mental health conditions. Nations like Germany, the UK, and Portugal are at the forefront, easing patient access and setting regulatory precedents. In 2024, Germany officially approved the use of medical cannabis for conditions such as chronic pain and multiple sclerosis, leading to a 40% surge in prescriptions—an important milestone for the European medical cannabis market share.

Support from regulatory bodies is also accelerating growth. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has streamlined the approval process for cannabis-derived medications, helping foster greater public trust and encourage standardized regulations across the continent. Yet, disparities remain. Countries like France and Italy still enforce case-by-case approvals, while Sweden maintains a restrictive stance. These inconsistencies have spurred calls for unified EU-wide policies to support a more cohesive European medical cannabis market.

Meanwhile, cultivation standards are becoming more rigorous. Countries such as Spain and the Netherlands have implemented high-quality compliance protocols for cannabis growers, enhancing product reliability and investor confidence. These changes, along with rising patient demand, contributed to a 28% increase in cannabis-related investments in 2024—further expanding the European medical cannabis market share.

An increasing number of patients are opting for cannabis-based alternatives over conventional pharmaceuticals. A 2024 survey found that 62% of individuals with anxiety or PTSD experienced symptom relief through CBD-based therapies. As Europe’s population ages—with more than 22% expected to be 65 or older by 2030—demand for cannabis treatments is poised to grow significantly.

Germany is leading by example, with public health insurance now covering medical cannabis for older adults suffering from chronic conditions. Over 1.2 million people benefited from this coverage in 2024. Younger demographics are also showing interest; Algea Care, a telemedicine platform, reported a 55% increase in patients under 35, many seeking relief from conditions like ADHD. Pharmaceutical companies are responding to this demand—Jazz Pharmaceuticals, for instance, launched Sativex® in Spain and Poland to treat multiple sclerosis-related symptoms.

However, supply remains a persistent issue. While EU-issued cannabis cultivation licenses rose by 15% in 2024, demand outpaced this with a 34% increase, resulting in heavier reliance on imports from nations like Canada and Israel. International collaborations are gaining momentum; UK-based Curaleaf acquired Aurora Europe to deepen its footprint in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, while Denmark’s Stenocare partnered with Poland’s Herbionica to boost production capacity by 2026.

Research efforts are also expanding. A joint study by the University of Leiden and Tilray in 2024 explored the effectiveness of cannabis in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea, potentially informing future EU medical guidelines. Online access to medical cannabis is improving as well—platforms like Cannify and Vayamed reported a 73% rise in virtual consultations in countries like Italy and Greece.

Price inequality across Europe remains a major barrier. For example, monthly treatment costs can reach €1,200 in France, while comparable products are available for €300 in the Netherlands. Such disparities drive some patients to seek unregulated alternatives. Still, projections for the medical cannabis market in Europe remain strong, with market size expected to exceed €4.1 billion by 2027.

Cost pressures—up 18% in 2024—continue to challenge smaller producers. Yet sustainability efforts are helping mitigate financial strain. Dutch manufacturer Bedrocan now operates entirely on renewable energy, setting an example for environmentally responsible cultivation. Advocacy from patient groups is also influencing policy. In 2024 alone, lobbying efforts helped 11 EU countries include medical cannabis in their national health insurance schemes.

Obstacles remain, from lingering stigma in Eastern Europe to bureaucratic delays at cross-border checkpoints. But momentum is building. Technological advancements, personalized treatment models, and AI-powered tools are expected to redefine patient care. As acceptance grows and frameworks evolve, the European medical cannabis industry is poised for long-term success, offering innovative healthcare solutions while expanding its European medical cannabis market share across the region.

Europe Medical Cannabis Market Segmentation: 

The report segments the market based on product type, distribution channel, and region:

Study Period:

Base Year: 2024

Historical Year: 2019-2024

Forecast Year: 2025-2033

Breakup by Species:

  • Indica
  • Sativa
  • Hybrid

Breakup by Derivative:

  • Cannabidiol (CBD)
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
  • Others

Breakup by Application:

  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • Migraine
  • Epilepsy
  • Others

Breakup by End Use:

  • Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Research and Development Centers
  • Others 

Breakup by Route of Administration:

  • Oral Solutions and Capsules
  • Smoking
  • Vaporizers
  • Topicals
  • Others

Breakup by Country:

  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report offers an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape, covering market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, a competitive dashboard, and a company evaluation quadrant. Additionally, detailed profiles of all major companies are included.

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