Germany Leads Surge in Medical Cannabis Use, Imports Rise 457%

Cannabis use disorder treatment in the U.S. faces significant barriers including lack of awareness, stigma, cost, and uncertainty about where to find help, with treatment rates declining despite persistent need, according to a study analyzing data from 2003 to 2019. In New South Wales, Australia, new legislation aims to protect prescribed medicinal cannabis users from losing their driver's licenses due to residual THC presence, addressing outdated roadside drug testing policies that do not correlate with impairment. Germany is emerging as a leading cannabis market in Europe, with rapid growth in its medical patient base and the recent legalization of adult-use cannabis, positioning it as a model for modernized cannabis policy that also effectively challenges illicit markets. Unlike the Netherlands' tolerance model, which struggles with unregulated illegal supply chains, Germany's approach has begun to measurably reduce illicit cannabis sales by legalizing and regulating production and distribution. In the UK, medical cannabis adoption is hindered by stigma and a lack of education among healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for comprehensive training on cannabis therapeutics within medical education to normalize its clinical use and improve patient access. These developments across different regions reflect evolving legal, social, and medical landscapes surrounding cannabis, emphasizing the importance of policy reform, education, and equitable treatment access.