Pharmaceutical cannabis from Germany: WESSLING provides advice and analysis

For several years now we have been advising international customers on the import of medicinal cannabis, both as flowers and as extracts, into the EU and Germany. We have extensive experience in conducting the necessary audits on plantations and in production and offer GAP analyses to determine GMP compliance status. Our customers also receive support from our pharmaceutical experts in setting up the necessary GMP quality management systems.

In addition to our consulting services, we conduct cannabis quality controls by testing cannabis products for identity, content and purity. This includes testing for contamination by heavy metals or pesticides, and for the content of cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and cannabinol.

Cannabis as medicine in Germany

Medicinal cannabis has been available, with increasing demand, on prescription in Germany since March 2017. So far, cannabis pharmaceuticals have been imported from abroad, mostly from Canada and the Netherlands. In 2020, pharmaceutical cannabis grown in Germany is expected to be available for the first time. Companies can apply to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) for licences to grow, distribute, store, package and deliver the plants in a secure in-house plantation within Germany. The government will shortly announce which companies will be awarded the contract. The cultivation in Germany will from now on be controlled and monitored by the Cannabis Agency.

However, the quantity tendered in the procedure is not sufficient to meet the needs for medicinal cannabis within Germany. Therefore, cannabis drugs must continue to be imported from abroad.

Please find more information about our comprehensive services in the field of pharmaceutical analysis and pharmaceutical consulting.