When Poland legalized medical marijuana in 2017, a new path opened up for patients struggling with diseases such as chronic pain, drug-resistant epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. In 2025, eight years after legalization, the medical marijuana market in Poland is growing, driven by increasing patient interest and new scientific research. However, new regulations, high costs and access restrictions continue to pose challenges. In this article, we look at the current state of the law, available products, patient experiences, barriers, and future prospects.

Current legal status

Medical marijuana has been legal in Poland since November 1, 2017 under the Anti-Drug Addiction Act. According to the regulations, doctors can prescribe marijuana in dried form, oils or other preparations, which are available in pharmacies by prescription. In 2022, regulations were introduced to allow the cultivation of medical marijuana in Poland, which was expected to increase product availability (Lexology).

In 2025, a key change is the introduction of regulations requiring in-person visits to a doctor to obtain a prescription, which has limited the use of telemedicine. According to 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 the abuse of marijuana for recreational purposes, but have raised concerns among patients who face difficulties obtaining treatment, especially in smaller towns.

Available products

About 12 varieties of dried medical marijuana are available in Polish pharmacies, mostly with high THC (17-25%) and low CBD (<1%), as well as one balanced variety (8% THC and 8% CBD) (Medweed). Products also include oils, capsules, aerosols (such as Sativex, used to treat spasticity in multiple sclerosis) and hemp extracts (e-dtp.co.uk). The dried herb is sold in 5g or 10g packets, with prices ranging from PLN 50 to PLN 70 per gram (Chambers and Partners).

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

Patients' experiences

Patients in Poland report that medical cannabis provides relief from a wide range of conditions, such as chronic pain, drug-resistant epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and nausea associated with chemotherapy. For example, users of cannabis clinics such as Green Ambulance praise the quick and professional approach of doctors who explain the therapy in detail (Green Ambulance). One patient wrote: "Surprisingly fast it all works. The most important thing is that the contact is with a doctor who explains everything thoroughly and factually. I recommend." Another patient appreciated: "Quick and efficient, appointment scheduled for an hour, also no waiting... Mr. Blazej's most professional approach to the patient."

However, access to medical marijuana is not evenly distributed. According to TalkingDrugs, patients in smaller towns often have to check product availability at pharmacies, which requires extra creativity and effort. The high cost of treatment, lack of reimbursement and restrictions on access to doctors who specialize in cannabis therapy are the main challenges reported by patients.

Main barriers

High costs

Medical marijuana is not reimbursed by the National Health Fund, which means patients must cover the full cost of treatment. With a price of 50-70 PLN per gram, the monthly cost of therapy can be hundreds of zlotys, a significant burden for many patients (Chambers and Partners).

Limited number of doctors

Although cannabis clinics such as Carenabis and Medicana make prescriptions more readily available, traditional doctors are often reluctant to prescribe marijuana due to inexperience or concerns about its use (Carenabis). A 2020 survey found that 60.1% Polish doctors have never received education about medical marijuana, and 71.1% consider their knowledge insufficient to advise patients (MDPI).

The need for education

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

New regulations

The introduction in 2025 of a requirement to visit a doctor in person to obtain a prescription has significantly reduced access to medical marijuana, especially for patients in smaller towns who previously used telemedicine (International CBC). These changes have sparked criticism among patients and some in the medical community, who consider them too strict.

Research and development

In 2025, research on medical marijuana in Poland focuses on the opinions of users and the effectiveness of the therapy. An article published in Substance Use & Misuse (PubMed) based on surveys (N=571) and interviews with users indicates that most patients find it easy to obtain a prescription and purchase medical marijuana, but the system is too expensive and the quality of pharmacy products is a concern. Patients prefer cannabis clinics, where doctors are more willing to prescribe marijuana compared to traditional dispensaries.

Internationally, studies confirm the efficacy of medical marijuana in treating chronic pain, drug-resistant epilepsy and spasticity in multiple sclerosis, which could influence further interest in the therapy in Poland (TalkingDrugs). Poland is also discussing the potential legalization of recreational marijuana, which could affect the medical market (Mercury News).

Future prospects

Despite the challenges, the medical marijuana market in Poland has the potential for further growth. Increasing the number of physicians trained in cannabis therapy, introducing reimbursement, and improving the availability of products in pharmacies could make life significantly easier for patients. Additionally, further research and education could help break down stereotypes and increase acceptance of medical marijuana among doctors and the public.

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