Medical Marijuana in Poland – Progress and Barriers in 2026

November 2017 was a breakthrough for Polish medicine. After years of social debates, scientific recommendations, and patient appeals, the legislator paved the way for cannabinoid therapy in the form of Rpw prescriptions. Eight and a half years have passed since then, and the system, which initially struggled with dramatic shortages, now handles hundreds of thousands of consultations annually in 2026. Nevertheless, the gap between Poland and European leaders like Germany and the Czech Republic remains significant. This overview of the system's status shows where we truly stand: what the hard numbers are, which barriers have been removed, and which still block real patient access to modern therapy.

on cannabinoids in medicine

Short answer: what is the status of medical marijuana in Poland in 2026?

Medical marijuana has been legal in Poland since November 1, 2017, pursuant to the amendment to the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction ([ISAP – Journal of Laws of 2005, No. 179, item 1485](https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU20051791485), 2017). In 2026, between 120,000 and 150,000 patients per year will benefit from the therapy, and care will be provided by over 200 active cannabis clinics specializing in cannabinoid therapy.

The system requires an Rpw prescription, which can be issued by any doctor with the right to practice, regardless of specialization. In practice, most prescriptions are issued by specialized facilities, as family doctors and specialists in the public system rarely undertake this therapy. The main barriers to access are the lack of reimbursement from NFZ, costs ranging from 50-100 PLN per gram of flower, periodic shortages of popular strains, and limited education for doctors regarding dosing and interactions.

Poland legalized medical marijuana on November 1, 2017, through an amendment to the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction. In 2026, an estimated 120,000 to 150,000 patients benefit from cannabinoid therapy, served by over 200 cannabis clinics. Patients pay 100% of treatment costs since NFZ does not reimburse cannabis flower ([ISAP](https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU20051791485), 2017).

What does the history of medical marijuana legalization in Poland look like?

The history of formal legalization spans almost a decade of small steps. A key date is November 1, 2017, when the amendment to the Act of July 7, 2017, came into effect, adding the pharmaceutical raw material "hemp other than fibrous cannabis and extracts" to the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction of July 29, 2005 ([Ministry of Health](https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie), 2017). The first Polish Rpw prescription was filled in January 2019.

The first years: 2017-2020 as a period of dramatic shortages

The years 2018-2020 have gone down in history as a period of "dry pharmacies." Despite formal legalization, no raw material was commercially available until January 2019, when the first batch of Canadian Aurora arrived in Polish pharmacies. Patients who obtained a prescription waited weeks for their prescriptions to be filled. The shortages were due to rigorous import procedures and Pharmaceutical Inspectorate requirements.

Patients from this period describe that for a single package of 5 g of flower, they traveled to five pharmacies in Warsaw or Krakow. Online pharmacies could not accept orders for narcotic raw materials at that time, which exacerbated the chaos.

Stabilization 2021-2023: the entry of cannabis clinics

The breakthrough came in 2021-2022 when specialized cannabis clinics (Cannabis Clinic, KannMed, Carenabis, Medicana, Sativa Clinic) entered the market. Teleconsultations, permitted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, democratized access. In 2022, the number of active patients exceeded 30,000, and in 2023 it approached 70,000. Simultaneously, the legislator raised the THC limit in hemp food to 0.3% (regulation from 2022), separating the CBD food sector from the medical THC market.

Regulatory correction 2024-2025

At the end of 2024, the Ministry of Health responded to signals of abuses in the telemedicine system. A requirement for a personal visit to the doctor for the first prescription was introduced, and oversight of facilities issuing thousands of prescriptions monthly was tightened. The number of prescriptions in December 2024 dropped to about 28,000 from a record 68,000 in October. The year 2025 brought stabilization at the level of 40,000 to 50,000 prescriptions monthly, corresponding to an estimated population of 120,000 to 150,000 active patients.

What are the biggest system advancements in 2026?

Progress is measurable and concerns four areas. The number of patients increased from about 1,000 in 2019 to an estimated 120,000 to 150,000 in 2026, representing a hundredfold increase over seven years. The network of over 200 cannabis clinics now covers all provincial cities, and teleconsultations remain available for continuation prescriptions ([Ministry of Health](https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie), 2025).

E-prescription and system digitization

A key operational advancement is the full integration of Rpw prescriptions with the e-prescription system managed by the Internet Patient Account ([pacjent.gov.pl](https://pacjent.gov.pl/internetowe-konto-pacjenta/e-recepta), 2026). The patient receives a four-digit code, which they present at the pharmacy along with their ID. The system eliminates paper forms, reduces fraud, and allows the pharmacist to verify the fulfillment history.

The assortment of strains available in pharmacies

In 2026, over 30 registered strains of medical cannabis flower are available in Polish pharmacies. Dominant products are imported from Canadian (Aurora, Tilray), German (Cantourage, Cosma), and Australian producers. The assortment includes high-THC strains (18-25%), balanced strains (THC 8% / CBD 8%), and an increasing number of high-CBD strains intended for patients sensitive to psychoactive effects.

Polish domestic production

: The most underrated progress is the establishment of domestic production capabilities. Since 2023, KOWR (National Support Center for Agriculture) has issued several permits for the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes. Polish entities Cosma, Polfamed, and Konopharma have launched production lines, which could reduce retail prices by 20-30% over the next five years if production scales exceed the profitability threshold.

overview of domestic producers

What are the main barriers to patient access in 2026?

The barriers identified in 2020 largely persisted into 2026. A 2020 study found that 60.1% Polish physicians had never received any form of education about medical marijuana, and 71.1% considered their knowledge insufficient to advise patients ([MDPI – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health](https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/24625), 2020). Five key barriers are blocking actual adoption.

Barrier 1: costs without NFZ reimbursement

This is the largest single obstacle. The price of flower in Polish pharmacies ranges from 50 to 100 PLN per gram, depending on the strain and producer. A typical monthly therapy requiring 30 g costs the patient 1,500-3,000 PLN. NFZ does not reimburse cannabis raw material, although it does reimburse individual registered preparations (Sativex for multiple sclerosis, Epidyolex for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes).

Barrier 2: shortages and interrupted supplies

The second systemic problem is supply instability. A patient stabilized on a specific strain often loses access to it for 4-8 weeks when the importer halts deliveries or the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector delays batch certification. Any change in strain requires retitration of the dose, destabilizing therapy, especially for patients with epilepsy or chronic neuropathic pain.

Barrier 3: education of doctors

Polish medical schools do not include mandatory courses on cannabinoid pharmacology in their curricula. As a result, graduates enter practice without knowledge of the endocannabinoid system, dosing of THC/CBD, or interactions with anticoagulants and antiepileptics. Postgraduate courses are available but are voluntary and paid, with only a fraction of actively practicing doctors participating.

Barrier 4: stigma in the medical community

Despite formal legalization, the term "marijuana" still evokes reservations among some doctors and patients. Doctors fear the reaction of medical chambers, National Health Fund (NFZ) controls, and the opinions of colleagues. Patients often conceal their treatment from employers and families. Cannabis clinic teams report that even 30% patients schedule initial consultations anonymously and collect treatment cards in person to avoid documentation in the primary healthcare system.

Barrier 5: lack of effectiveness registers

Poland does not maintain a unified registry of patients treated with cannabinoids. The lack of population data prevents the assessment of effectiveness in everyday practice, identification of off-label indications, and negotiation of reimbursement with NFZ. This is a systemic barrier that neither the market nor the medical community can resolve without intervention from the ministry.

Barrier 6: pharmacists' attitudes towards Rpw prescriptions

Some pharmacies refuse to fill Rpw prescriptions, citing "conscience clause" or a lack of the raw material in the wholesale warehouse. Pharmacists are not required to keep medical cannabis in stock, so patients must verify availability by phone before their visit. In smaller towns, filling an Rpw prescription may require a 50-100 km trip to the nearest pharmacy collaborating with wholesalers specializing in controlled raw materials.

What clinical indications are accepted or debated in 2026?

Clinical indications are divided into two groups: well-established and those under active research. A 2017 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine identified strong evidence of cannabinoids' effectiveness in three indications: chronic pain in adults, nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy, and spasticity in multiple sclerosis ([NASEM – The Health Effects of Cannabis](https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/24625), 2017).

Classical indications with clinical evidence

A meta-analysis published in JAMA by Whiting et al. confirmed the moderate effectiveness of cannabinoids in chronic pain (especially neuropathic pain), spasticity in multiple sclerosis, and selected epilepsy syndromes ([Whiting et al. – JAMA](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2338251), 2015). In Polish practice in 2026, the most common diagnoses were:

• Chronic pain, including neuropathic and post-traumatic (45-55% of prescriptions)
• Drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in children with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes (high-purity CBD oils)
• Spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis
• Palliative care in cancer diseases
• Pain syndromes in fibromyalgia and degenerative spine disease

New indications and subjects of debate

The second group consists of indications with an increasing evidence base but without clinical consensus. These include:

• PTSD in veterans and trauma survivors (studies in Israel, the USA, Canada)
• Treatment-resistant ADHD (mainly in adults)
• Selected autism spectrum disorders (CBD-based therapy)
• Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease (early studies)
• Endometriosis and menstrual pain

The WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence in its critical review in 2018 confirmed the safety of CBD and the lack of addictive potential, which paved the way for expanding the indications in the treatment of children and people with co-occurring diseases ([WHO ECDD – Cannabidiol Critical Review](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-ecdd-40-cbd-critical-review), 2018).

comparative article on pharmacology

How does Poland compare to other EU countries?

Poland's position in the European ranking of access to cannabinoid therapy in 2026 is average. According to estimates from industry organizations, the number of active patients per 100,000 residents in Poland is about 350-400, while in Germany it exceeds 800, and in the Czech Republic (after the 2025 reform) approaches 500 ([Konopia Lecznicza Foundation](https://konopialecznicza.pl), 2026).

Germany: recreational legalization from April 2024

In April 2024, Germany implemented the largest reform in the history of German drug policy. The CanG Act allowed possession of up to 25 g in public, 50 g at home, and cultivation of three plants for personal use. The recreational reform did not abolish the medical system but rather simplified access: doctors no longer need BfArM permission to issue prescriptions, and medical marijuana has been removed from the list of narcotic substances and transferred to a regular prescription.

Czech Republic: new regulatory framework 2025

In 2025, the Czech Republic entered a new systemic phase. A national contract cultivation system was introduced (state oversight, private producers), reimbursement for selected indications up to 90% of costs, and full integration of telemedicine. Patient prices dropped by 30-40% compared to the import model from 2018-2024.

Netherlands: historical coffeeshop model

The Netherlands has been running a state program OMC (Office for Medicinal Cannabis) since 2003. The system supplies standardized flower to pharmacies in 80 countries worldwide. Coffeeshops remain a separate phenomenon based on a policy of tolerance, not full recreational legalization. The Dutch model of state production is often cited as a model for Poland due to quality control and price stability.

In 2026, Poland achieves about 350-400 medical marijuana patients per 100,000 residents. This is about half of Germany's result (800+) and 70-80% of the Czech result (500). The main systemic difference is the lack of reimbursement in Poland, while the Czech Republic introduced reimbursement of up to 90% of costs for selected indications in 2025 ([Konopia Lecznicza](https://konopialecznicza.pl), 2026).

What are the patient community's proposals for the future of the system?

The patient community and industry organizations formulated a coherent catalog of proposals in 2025 and 2026. The first and most important is NFZ reimbursement for selected clinical indications: drug-resistant epilepsy, spasticity in multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, and palliative care in oncological diseases. Reimbursement would reduce patient costs by 70-90% and open therapy to individuals in worse economic situations.

Inclusion of cannabinoids in medical school curricula

The second proposal is mandatory courses on cannabinoid pharmacology in all medical programs. The adoption curve of therapy directly depends on the number of trained doctors. An 8-12 hour lecture-seminar program within clinical pharmacology and palliative medicine would meet the minimum educational needs of new graduating classes.

National registry of patients treated with cannabinoids

The third proposal concerns the establishment of a state registry analogous to oncology registries. The registry would allow for the assessment of real-world evidence (effectiveness in everyday practice), monitoring of long-term safety, and negotiation with NFZ based on hard population data.

Quality standards and zero tolerance for contaminants

The fourth area is product quality standards. Expanding GMP requirements to all importers, mandatory testing for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiology, and introducing a recall system similar to that for medicines. As an importing market, Poland is susceptible to quality differences between suppliers; a uniform standard would protect immunologically sensitive patients.

What role do organizations play in supporting the development of the system?

Non-governmental and industry organizations are a key link between patients, doctors, and regulators in 2026. The Konopia Lecznicza Foundation runs the largest Polish database of patient information, organizes scientific conferences, and supports doctors in the training process ([Konopia Lecznicza](https://konopialecznicza.pl), 2026). It collaborates with scientific societies and organizes patient information campaigns.

KOWR and oversight of domestic cultivation

The National Support Center for Agriculture (KOWR) is responsible for issuing permits for the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes. Since 2022, KOWR has expanded the list of permits, opening the way for Polish producers (Cosma, Polfamed, Konopharma). The procedure requires compliance with GMP requirements, physical protection of facilities, and documentation of traceability (track and trace) in accordance with UN conventions.

Polish Pain Society and medical communities

The Polish Pain Society has been publishing positions on the role of cannabinoids in the treatment of chronic and neuropathic pain since 2019. The Society organizes cannabis sections at congresses, issues dosing recommendations, and lobbies for the inclusion of cannabinoids in standards of care for treatment-resistant pain.

Cannabis clinics as practical infrastructure

Cannabis clinics (KannMed, Apomedica, Carenabis, Sativa Clinic, Medicana) are the largest practical providers of therapy in 2026. They employ doctors trained in cannabinoid pharmacology, conduct patient education, and maintain teleconsultation systems for continuation prescriptions. Criticism directed at them concerns the commercialization of the system and limited oversight of consultation quality, but their role in democratizing access is undeniable.

What does the Polish legal context look like in 2026?

The legal basis for cannabinoid therapy in Poland remains the Act of July 29, 2005, on Counteracting Drug Addiction, amended by the Act of July 7, 2017, which entered into force on November 1, 2017 ([ISAP – Journal of Laws of 2005, No. 179, item 1485](https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU20051791485), 2017). The amendment added "hemp herb other than fibrous cannabis and extracts" to the list of pharmaceutical raw materials permitted for marketing.

Category of Rpw prescriptions

Medical marijuana is issued only on an Rpw prescription (pink prescription, formerly paper, now electronic). A doctor authorized to issue prescriptions in Poland can prescribe cannabinoids without additional permits, regardless of specialization. The prescription is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, and the maximum quantity on one prescription covers a 90-day patient demand.

THC limit in food products and CBD

Since 2022, THC content in hemp food is permitted up to 0.3% (executive regulation to food law). CBD products that meet this limit are legal without a prescription and available in general trade, including online stores. This threshold distinguishes the consumer CBD market from the medical THC market and is the foundation of the hemp supplement industry in Poland.

Legal disclaimer

The legal status may change. Before starting cannabinoid therapy, consult a doctor authorized to issue Rpw prescriptions. Current announcements are published by the Ministry of Health on the gov.pl portal ([Ministry of Health](https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie), 2026). This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical or legal advice.

What CBD products should be considered alongside medical therapy?

CBD products with THC content below 0.3% are legal in Poland without a prescription and can complement medical therapy for patients sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC. Below are four verified items from Polish producers, available in 2026 at confirmed prices.

• SOOL CBD 5% (76 PLN) – low concentration oil, a good starting point for people starting supplementation
• SOOL CBD 10% (99 PLN) – twice as high concentration, a choice for patients after the introductory phase
• Cannova CBG 15% (240 PLN) – cannabigerol oil, complementary profile to CBD, tested for anti-inflammatory effects
• Mars Dry CBD 9% (59 PLN) – CBD hemp, an alternative for patients who prefer vaporization inhalation

buyer's guide for patients

Frequently Asked Questions

Is medical marijuana fully legal in Poland in 2026?

Yes, it has been legal since November 1, 2017, based on the amendment to the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction. It requires an Rpw prescription issued by a doctor authorized to practice. The prescription is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, and the maximum quantity covers a 90-day demand ([ISAP](https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU20051791485), 2017).

How much does therapy with medical marijuana cost in Poland?

The price of flower in Polish pharmacies ranges from 50 to 100 PLN per gram, depending on the strain and producer. A typical monthly therapy requiring 30 g costs the patient 1,500-3,000 PLN. NFZ does not reimburse cannabis raw material, so the patient pays 100% of the costs. Only individual registered preparations (Sativex, Epidyolex) are reimbursed in narrow indications.

Which doctor can issue an Rpw prescription for medical marijuana?

Any doctor with the right to practice in Poland, regardless of specialization, can issue an Rpw prescription. In practice, most prescriptions are issued by specialized cannabis clinics (KannMed, Apomedica, Carenabis), as family doctors and specialists in the public system rarely undertake this therapy due to lack of training.

What are the clinical indications for medical marijuana therapy?

The strongest evidence concerns chronic pain (especially neuropathic), drug-resistant epilepsy, spasticity in multiple sclerosis, and nausea after chemotherapy ([NASEM](https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/24625), 2017). PTSD, treatment-resistant ADHD, selected autism spectrum disorders, fibromyalgia, and endometriosis are also being studied, but evidence is still a subject of debate.

Can I obtain a prescription through teleconsultation?

The first prescription requires a personal visit to the doctor according to the requirement introduced at the end of 2024. Continuation prescriptions for stabilized patients can be issued through teleconsultation. The e-prescription system managed by the Internet Patient Account allows for code retrieval at the pharmacy without a paper form ([pacjent.gov.pl](https://pacjent.gov.pl/internetowe-konto-pacjenta/e-recepta), 2026).

Does every pharmacy fill Rpw prescriptions for medical marijuana?

No. Some pharmacies refuse to fill prescriptions citing conscience clauses or lack of raw material in the warehouse. Pharmacists are not required to keep medical cannabis in their regular inventory. Patients should verify the availability of a specific strain by phone before visiting the pharmacy. In smaller towns, filling a prescription may require traveling to the nearest pharmacy cooperating with wholesalers specializing in controlled raw materials.

What is the difference between medical marijuana and CBD products available without a prescription?

Medical marijuana contains significant concentrations of THC (usually 8-25%) and requires an Rpw prescription. CBD products legally available without a prescription must contain less than 0.3% THC and are classified as food or supplements. The pharmacological difference is fundamental: THC has psychoactive and analgesic effects, while CBD has no psychoactive effects ([WHO ECDD](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-ecdd-40-cbd-critical-review), 2018).

Can I drive a car while undergoing medical marijuana therapy?

No, driving under the influence of THC is prohibited in Poland, regardless of a legal prescription. Polish law does not provide exceptions for patients using medical marijuana. After vaporization or consumption of THC, a minimum break of 8-12 hours should be observed, and for patients using high doses, even 24 hours. In the event of a traffic stop, a positive THC test result means criminal liability.

Does medical marijuana interact with other medications?

Yes, cannabinoids are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system and can affect the concentration of many medications, including anticoagulants (warfarin), antiepileptics (clobazam, valproate), benzodiazepines, and immunosuppressants. Every therapy should be consulted with the attending physician, informing them of all currently taken medications, including supplements and OTC products.

What is the realistic waiting time for the first visit to a cannabis clinic?

In 2026, in major cannabis clinics in large cities (Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Wroclaw), the waiting time for the first visit is 7-21 days. In smaller towns or with renowned doctors, this time may increase to 4-6 weeks. Filling a prescription at the pharmacy additionally requires 1-7 days to obtain a specific strain from the wholesaler.

Summary: where do we really stand in 2026?

Poland, eight and a half years after legalization, has a functioning, albeit imperfect, cannabinoid therapy system. Progress is evident: a hundredfold increase in the number of patients, a network of over 200 clinics, integration of e-prescriptions, domestic production, and over 30 available strains. Barriers are equally evident: lack of NFZ reimbursement, supply shortages, limited education for doctors, and ongoing stigma.

The main challenges for 2026-2030 are the introduction of reimbursement for selected indications, inclusion of cannabinoid pharmacology in medical studies, and the establishment of a national patient registry. Without these changes, Poland will remain in the middle group of European countries, devoted to commercial logic rather than systemic. The experience of the Czech Republic (90% reimbursement in 2025) and Germany (simplification of prescriptions in 2024) shows that rapid improvement is possible with political will.

If you are considering therapy, consult a doctor authorized to issue Rpw prescriptions. If you are looking to complement therapy with CBD products legally available without a prescription, check the offer of Polish producers available in the u Bucha store.

patient guide before the first visit