When Poland legalized medical marijuana in 2017, a new path opened up for patients struggling with conditions like chronic pain, drug-resistant epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. In 2025, eight years after legalization, the medical marijuana market in Poland is expanding, fueled by growing patient interest and new scientific research. However, new regulations, high costs, and access restrictions continue to pose challenges. In this article, we will examine the current legal status, available products, patient experiences, barriers, and future prospects.

Current legal status

Medical marijuana has been legal in Poland since November 1, 2017, under the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction. According to the regulations, doctors can prescribe marijuana in the form of dried herbs, oils, or other preparations available in pharmacies with a prescription. In 2022, regulations were introduced allowing the cultivation of medical marijuana in Poland, which was intended to increase product availability (Lexology).

A key change in 2025 is the introduction of regulations requiring in-person doctor visits to obtain a prescription, which has limited the use of telemedicine. According to the International CBC, the number of prescriptions dropped from 68,000 in October 2024 to 28,000 in December 2024. The new regulations were intended to curb recreational marijuana abuse but have raised concerns among patients who face difficulties obtaining treatment, particularly in smaller towns.

Available products

Polish pharmacies offer approximately 12 varieties of dried medical marijuana, primarily with high THC concentrations (17-25%) and low CBD (<1%), as well as one balanced variety (8% THC and 8% CBD) (Medweed). Products also include oils, capsules, sprays (e.g., Sativex, used to treat spasticity in multiple sclerosis), and hemp extracts (e-dtp.pl). The herb is sold in 5g or 10g packages, and its price ranges from PLN 50 to PLN 70 per gram (Chambers and Partners).

In 2024, Poland increased its medical marijuana import limit to 11 tons, indicating growing demand (MJBizDaily). However, product availability in pharmacies, especially in smaller towns, remains a problem, forcing patients to seek out pharmacies in larger cities or order online.

Patient experiences

Patients in Poland report that medical marijuana provides relief for many conditions, such as chronic pain, drug-resistant epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-related nausea. For example, users of cannabis clinics like Zielona Karetka praise the quick and professional approach of doctors who thoroughly explain the therapy (Zielona Karetka). One patient wrote: "It all works surprisingly quickly. The most important thing is that I have contact with a doctor who explains everything thoroughly and objectively. I recommend it." Another patient appreciated: "Quick and efficient, the appointment was scheduled for an hour, so there was no waiting... Mr. Błażej has a very professional approach to the patient."„

However, access to medical marijuana is uneven. According to TalkingDrugs, patients in smaller towns often have to check product availability at pharmacies, which requires additional creativity and effort. High treatment costs, a lack of reimbursement, and limited access to doctors specializing in cannabis therapy are the main challenges reported by patients.

Main barriers

High costs

Medical marijuana is not reimbursed by the National Health Fund, meaning patients must cover the full cost of treatment. At 50-70 PLN per gram, monthly treatment costs can reach hundreds of zlotys, a significant burden for many patients (Chambers and Partners).

Limited number of doctors

Although cannabis clinics like Carenabis and Medicana facilitate access to prescriptions, traditional doctors are often reluctant to prescribe cannabis due to lack of experience or concerns about its use (Carenabis). A 2020 study found that 60.1% Polish doctors had never received education about medical marijuana, and 71.1% considered their knowledge insufficient to advise patients (MDPI).

The need for education

Both physicians and patients need greater knowledge about medical marijuana. The lack of clear guidelines for the use of cannabinoids in clinical practice and stereotypes associated with marijuana as a drug hinder its acceptance in the medical community (PubMed).

New regulations

The introduction of a requirement for in-person doctor visits to obtain a prescription in 2025 has significantly limited access to medical marijuana, particularly for patients in smaller towns who previously relied on telemedicine (International CBC). These changes have sparked criticism from patients and some in the medical community, who consider them overly stringent.

Research and development

In 2025, research on medical marijuana in Poland will focus on user opinions and treatment effectiveness. An article published in "Substance Use & Misuse" (PubMed), based on surveys (N=571) and interviews with users, indicates that most patients find obtaining a prescription and purchasing medical marijuana easy, but the system is too expensive, and the quality of products from pharmacies is questionable. Patients prefer cannabis clinics, where doctors are more willing to prescribe marijuana compared to traditional clinics.

Internationally, research confirms the effectiveness of medical marijuana in treating chronic pain, drug-resistant epilepsy, and spasticity in multiple sclerosis, which may influence further interest in the therapy in Poland (TalkingDrugs). Discussions are also underway in Poland regarding the potential legalization of recreational marijuana, which could impact the medical market (Mercury News).

Future prospects

Despite challenges, the medical marijuana market in Poland has the potential to continue to grow. Increasing the number of physicians trained in cannabis therapy, introducing reimbursement, and improving product availability in pharmacies could significantly improve patient lives. Furthermore, further research and education could help break down stereotypes and increase acceptance of medical marijuana among physicians and the public.

In 2025, medical marijuana in Poland offers hope for patients struggling with serious conditions, but barriers such as high costs, access restrictions, and new regulations still hinder its full potential. Progress in product access and growing patient interest are promising, but further work is needed to create a more accessible and effective system. Collaboration between patients, physicians, scientists, and policymakers will be crucial for the future of medical marijuana in Poland.