After seven years of testing and public input, Denmark is preparing to make medical cannabis legal for good. The official rollout is expected by January 2026. While this marks a major step forward, the path hasn’t been smooth, and several issues still need to be resolved.
How Medical Cannabis Works in Denmark Today
Right now, Denmark has several ways doctors can prescribe medical cannabis. Some products are standard pharmaceutical medicines supported by clinical trials, while others are specially prepared (or “compounded”) for individual patients. These options come with very different costs for both patients and the healthcare system.
One of the biggest problems is that these two options don’t get the same financial support. Compounded cannabis products receive much higher government reimbursement (up to 85%), which makes them more attractive to patients. In contrast, cannabis products under the official pilot program get less support. This uneven system has created confusion and imbalances in the market.
Why Reimbursement Rules Matter
The gap in reimbursement rates affects more than just patient bills; it also influences how companies make business decisions. Since compounded products get higher subsidies, patients tend to prefer them, even though they’re more expensive overall. This shift hurts the growth of more standardized, efficient cannabis products.
Industry leaders argue that the current system is unfair and unsustainable. They’re calling for changes to make pricing and access more balanced. That includes fixing reimbursement policies so they support innovation and long-term growth in the medical cannabis market.
Ongoing Challenges for the Industry
Despite progress, Denmark still faces major hurdles in building a strong medical cannabis system. For instance, new product approvals are limited to one at a time, which makes it hard for companies to offer a variety of options. This goes against the government’s goal of increasing competition and expanding access.
There’s also confusion around key issues like whether patients can drive or work while using cannabis. On top of that, many doctors don’t have enough training to prescribe cannabis with confidence. These gaps in regulation and education could put both patients and public safety at risk.
What the Industry Hopes Will Change
Even with these challenges, many in the industry are optimistic. They hope that the government will listen to feedback gathered during recent public consultations and adjust the rules accordingly.
Businesses are asking for clearer guidelines, especially around what products can be sold and how cannabis can be used safely. Better training for doctors and more support for patients could also make a big difference.
What’s Next for Danish Medical Cannabis
As Denmark moves toward making medical cannabis legal on a permanent basis, lawmakers face the challenge of creating a system that works for both patients and businesses. That means rethinking reimbursement rules, speeding up product approvals, and ensuring safety without adding extra costs to the healthcare system.
Denmark also has a chance to play a global leadership role. Thanks to its detailed trials and strict standards, it could help shape international best practices for medical cannabis use.