At the start of May, Denmark announced that its medical cannabis pilot program will become a permanent fixture of the national healthcare system beginning January 1, 2026. This move follows the program’s consistent success in serving patients with serious health conditions.
The pilot program, initially launched in 2018, has provided patients with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, cancer, and chronic pain access to medical cannabis treatments. Over the years, the program has seen a steady increase in patient participation, with approximately 1800 patients currently benefiting from cannabis-based medicines and over 20000 prescriptions filled.
Key Features of Denmark’s Program are the following:
- Patient Eligibility: Patients suffering from conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, cancer, and chronic pain will continue to be eligible for medicinal cannabis prescriptions
- Product Variety: The program offers various cannabis products, including inhalable dried flowers, oral solutions, capsules, and sprays, each with different THC/CBD ratios.
- Financial Support: Patients receive subsidies covering 50% of their costs, up to 20,000 DKK (approximately \$2,830) annually. Terminally ill patients receive full coverage.
This step by Denmark reflects a growing European trend: the mainstreaming of medical cannabis into healthcare systems. Nearly one-third of European countries have launched or are developing legal frameworks for medical cannabis access.
Beyond legislation, Denmark’s medical cannabis sector is thriving economically. The Odense region has become a center for cannabis cultivation and pharmaceutical research, attracting international stakeholders such as Germany’s Vertanical, Canada’s Aurora Nordic, and Australia’s Little Green Pharma. These companies work closely with institutions like the University of Southern Denmark to foster innovation and evidence-based development.
Expanding Medical Cannabis Market Across Europe
In April 2024, Germany implemented its Cannabis Act (CanG), removing cannabis from the list of narcotics and significantly expanding access for medical use. This move has driven a surge in patient numbers and is seen as a model for other European countries, offering regulated, affordable access and challenging the illicit market
In the first quarter of 2025, over 37 tonnes of cannabis for medical or scientific purposes were imported to Germany, underlining its position as Europe’s leading medical cannabis market.
In the Netherlands, medical cannabis has been legal since 2003, and the country launched its adult-use cannabis pilot program in 2023, moving to the experimental phase in 2024.
Meanwhile, Slovenia is witnessing rising public support for national medical cannabis legislation. Countries like the Czech Republic are piloting legal frameworks for personal cultivation and use, and Switzerland continues to trial regulated cannabis sales.
Portugal has emerged as a leader in medical cannabis cultivation. While much of its production serves the German market, Portugal became the world’s second-largest exporter of medical cannabis in 2024.
At the same time, North American companies are entering the European scene, lured by clearer regulations and more favorable tax environments. However, experts caution that unchecked expansion could lead to oversupply, echoing challenges experienced in the U.S. and Canada.
Toward Evidence-Based Cannabis Policy
These developments signal a deepening commitment to integrating cannabis into public health systems across Europe. The movement is rooted in evidence-based policy, with a focus on patient safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
The European medical cannabis market is expected to more than double in value—from €1.12 billion in 2025 to approximately €2.9 billion by 2029. Germany and the United Kingdom are projected to remain the largest markets, driven by increased patient access and expanding investment opportunities.
