In 2024, 7.8 Tons of Medical Cannabis Were Imported to Poland

The dynamics of medical cannabis imports in Poland over the last few years shows a sharp increase in demand for this raw material:

2017: 14 kg,
2020: 250kg,
2021: almost 1 ton,
2022: 1.65 tons,
2023: 2.6 tons,
2024: 7.8 tons – the highest value in history.

The upward trend indicates a growing interest in cannabis therapies and an expanding group of patients using medical cannabis.

Several key factors have influenced the dynamic development of the medical cannabis market in Poland:

Greater awareness among patients and doctors – more and more specialists recognize cannabis as an effective treatment for many diseases.

Changes in the law and greater availability in pharmacies – facilitation of procedures related to the prescription and distribution of medical cannabis, which, however, were significantly hindered at the end of 2024 .

Growing number of patients using cannabis therapies – more and more people are looking for alternative methods of treatment.

Lack of domestic cultivation – Poland is 100% dependent on imports , which forces the import of increasingly larger quantities of raw materials.

Who and how can benefit from medical cannabis therapy?

In Poland, a prescription for medical cannabis can be issued by any doctor with the right to practice, regardless of specialization (except for a veterinarian). However, after a change in regulations, patients can currently obtain a prescription only after a personal visit to a cannabis clinic , with the exception of primary care physicians who can issue it as part of a teleconsultation.

To make it easier for patients to access treatment, at the end of 2024 I launched the website kliniki-konopne.pl , which allows you to find cannabis clinics in the immediate vicinity, compare prices for visits and make an appointment with a specialist.

Cannabis therapy is most often used in patients with chronic pain (e.g. cancer), insomnia, neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis, epilepsy), mental disorders (PTSD, depression, anxiety) and rheumatological conditions.

Cannabis products are available in pharmacies only by prescription, but availability and pricing are a challenge. In 2024, the number of pharmacies offering medical marijuana has increased, but supply issues and high costs of therapy due to imports remain.

Should Poland consider domestic production of medical cannabis?

There are currently no permits for the cultivation of medical hemp in Poland. This means that the domestic market is 100% dependent on imports , which leads to several significant problems:

High prices for patients – import costs and intermediary margins make cannabis therapy in Poland much more expensive than in countries where local production operates.

Limited availability – supplies of dried herb depend on foreign producers and may be irregular, leading to periodic shortages in pharmacies.

Lack of control over quality and varieties – Poland has no influence on which varieties are imported, which may limit therapeutic options.

Legalizing the cultivation of medical cannabis in Poland could bring numerous benefits:

Reducing treatment costs – local production could significantly reduce prices, making therapy more accessible.

Independence from foreign suppliers – domestic production would eliminate the risk of supply interruptions and shortages in pharmacies.

Development of the Polish pharmaceutical market – the creation of a regulated medical cannabis market could attract investments and develop modern technologies in the pharmaceutical sector.
Job creation – the development of the cannabis industry could create new jobs in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and scientific research.

Summary and conclusions

Record medical cannabis imports in 2024 confirm that demand for cannabis treatment in Poland is growing steadily . Although the prescription system is in place, there are controversies about its operation, including high prices, availability issues, and potential abuse.

Currently, Poland is completely dependent on imports, which affects the cost of therapy and its availability to patients. Considering domestic production of medical marijuana could significantly improve the situation , providing lower prices, better quality control and greater stability of supply.

It is also necessary to further educate doctors and patients on the use of cannabis therapies, as well as to develop more transparent legal regulations regarding both access to treatment and control over its use.

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(Featured image by  Kamil Gliwinski via Unsplash)

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First published in Fakty Konopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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