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Today’s visit by Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, part of the CDU, a party known for its critical stance on cannabis, to Grünhorn in Leipzig marks a significant milestone in the political recognition of cannabis as a plant-based medicine. The Prime Minister recognized Grünhorn, a medical cannabis company, as an important mid-sized pharmaceutical enterprise in Saxony, highlighting the life sciences sector as a key driver of the region’s economic future.
Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer stated, “Grünhorn is a valuable asset to Leipzig’s biotechnology and biomedical landscape. The medical cannabis market holds great potential for patients with chronic illnesses. Its use can provide long-term relief from symptoms for many. At the same time, the medical cannabis industry offers significant opportunities for Saxony’s economy. With a strong mid-sized business sector, we can create new jobs and strengthen Saxony as an economic hub.”
Medical Cannabis Is Not Recreational Cannabis
For hosts Stefan Fritsch, founder and CEO of Grünhorn, and Matthias Fischer, managing director of Grünhorn Group’s wholesale subsidiary canymed GmbH, the visit underscored the growing importance of medical cannabis.
Fritsch highlighted the significance of this political endorsement and praised the dialogue with Prime Minister Kretschmer:
“I was delighted to provide Mr. Kretschmer with an in-depth look at medical cannabis and to differentiate it clearly from recreational cannabis. I appreciate his commitment to ensuring that medical cannabis will not be reinstated under the Narcotics Act in future legislation.”
To further illustrate the distinction between medical and recreational cannabis, Kretschmer toured Grünhorn’s highly regulated prescription verification, quality control, and packaging processes for medical cannabis flowers.
Fritsch added: “Our products are designed to help severely ill patients—such as those undergoing cancer treatment, living with multiple sclerosis, or managing chronic pain. For thousands of years, cannabis has been used to alleviate symptoms like nausea and insomnia. Today, we are leveraging modern technology to optimize its benefits further. To continue this work, Grünhorn relies on political support and collaboration with academic research institutions in Saxony and beyond.”
20 Pallets of Paper: A Call for Digitalization and Research Investment
Michael Kretschmer (CDU) looking at a medical cannabis flower at Grünhorn
During a tour of Grünhorn’s mail-order pharmacy, the company’s operational capacity became evident. Since partial legalization in April 2024, the volume of prescriptions has multiplied. Matthias Fischer emphasised the bureaucratic challenges in processing cannabis prescriptions:
“Since its founding, Grünhorn Pharmacy has generated 20 pallets of printed manufacturing protocols and narcotics documentation—equivalent to approximately 100 felled trees. Returning to narcotics-level documentation would mean more paperwork, not less—a fundamental setback for pharmacists, doctors, patients, and businesses.”
Since 2020, Grünhorn has invested over €35 million in machinery, land, buildings, and personnel. Together with partners such as DEMECAN and SAXONIA Diagnostics, Grünhorn forms a life sciences cluster as part of Saxony’s pharmaceutical dialogue with the health and economic ministries. This initiative has created 300 jobs in the state. The sector’s economic impact is substantial: Grünhorn has generated over €120 million in revenue since its founding, with plans to surpass this figure within the next two years.
A Key Economic Driver for Saxony and Germany
A highlight of the visit was the insight into Grünhorn’s research. In discussions with chemist Dr. Stephan Utgenannt and Grünhorn Academy’s director, biochemist Dr. Nadine Herwig, the role of modern science in enhancing patient care was emphasised. Notable examples include terpene research and extract development, which enable more personalized therapies.
The political momentum for destigmatising medical cannabis and the resulting increase in patient numbers must, according to Fischer, continue. He called on Prime Minister Kretschmer to champion the following priorities:
No Return to the Narcotics Act: Reducing bureaucracy and fostering innovation must remain key priorities.
Promote Research: Investments in science and development will sustainably strengthen Saxony as a life sciences hub.
The positive exchange between politics and business showcased how innovative approaches and scientific research can significantly improve healthcare delivery
“}]] Today’s visit by Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, part of the CDU, a party known for its critical stance on cannabis, to Grünhorn in Leipzig marks a significant milestone in the political recognition of cannabis as a plant-based medicine. Read More
