Europe Medical Cannabis Market, by Region, 2018-2027

Growth Outlook

• The 2027 portion of the Europe Medical Cannabis Market, by Region, 2018 market is on a steady long-term growth path. Segment value stands at roughly USD 5785 Mn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 7328 Mn by 2027 — a gain of about 27% over the forecast period, translating to a CAGR in the double digits.
• Medical cannabis has been gaining significant momentum across Europe in recent years. The demand for medical cannabis has been influenced by various factors, including increased research on its potential medical benefits, changing societal attitudes towards cannabis, and the growing acceptance of its use for medical purposes.
• What the regional split looks like (2026): Western Europe leads, holding roughly 83% of segment value — the single largest regional share. Eastern Europe is the second-largest contributor.
• By 2027, Western Europe alone is expected to reach USD 6097 Mn, with Eastern Europe at USD 1231 Mn.

Market Dynamics

Medical cannabis has been gaining significant momentum across Europe in recent years. The demand for medical cannabis has been influenced by various factors, including increased research on its potential medical benefits, changing societal attitudes towards cannabis, and the growing acceptance of its use for medical purposes. One of the key drivers of demand in the European medical cannabis market is the region's aging population. With aging, there is a higher prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and glaucoma, where medical cannabis has shown potential therapeutic benefits. This demographic trend is expected to contribute to a steady increase in demand for medical cannabis in the coming years. Another factor driving demand is the rise in the number of countries legalizing medical cannabis in Europe. Currently, medical cannabis is legal in more than 20 European countries, with Germany being the largest market. The legalization of medical cannabis has created a significant demand, especially from patients seeking alternative options for chronic conditions, where traditional medications have been ineffective. Moreover, the increasing awareness about the potential medical benefits of cannabis has also fueled the demand.

The stigma surrounding cannabis is gradually dissipating, and more people are beginning to recognize its therapeutic value. This change in perception has led to an increase in the number of patients willing to try medical cannabis as a treatment option. The demand for medical cannabis also differs by region within Europe. Southern Europe, particularly Spain, France, and Italy, has been estimated to have the highest demand due to favorable climatic conditions for outdoor cultivation and relatively lower costs. In contrast, the Nordic countries, such as Denmark and Sweden, have shown increasing demand for medical cannabis due to their progressive regulatory environment and high levels of public healthcare spending. The demand in each region is also influenced by factors such as regulatory framework, cultural attitudes, and the availability of medical cannabis products. For instance, in countries like Germany, where medical cannabis is legal, the demand has been growing at a rapid pace due to the favorable regulatory framework and availability of high-quality products. In conclusion, the demand for medical cannabis in Europe is driven by various factors and varies across different regions.

With increasing legalization and acceptance of medical cannabis, the demand for this alternative treatment option is expected to continue to grow in the future. This presents significant opportunities for companies operating in the European medical cannabis market.

Research Methodology

Figures reflect Wantstats’ original market research and forecasting models, compiled as part of the Wantstats research archive and published in 2024.