January 20ths 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 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."
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.
Stefan Fritsch, Michael Kretschmer, and Matthias Fischer
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."
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."
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 emphasized 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 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 emphasized. Notable examples include terpene research and extract development, which enables more personalized therapies.
The political momentum for destigmatizing medical cannabis and the resulting increase in patient numbers must, according to Fischer, continue. He called on Prime Minister Kretschmer to champion the below priorities.
No Return to the Narcotics Act: Reducing bureaucracy and fostering innovation must remain key priorities, as well as promoting research into the sector.
For more information:
Grünhorn Group
www.gruenhorn.de