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Cannabis in Germany 2024: Why 60% Still Use Illegal Sources?

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As the legalization of medical cannabis advances, the 2024 Cannabis Barometer from Bloomwell reveals critical insights into the cannabis landscape in Germany. The survey, which involved over 1,000 participants, shows that although 94.4% of respondents use cannabis for health reasons, nearly 60% still resort to illegal sources. Additionally, social stigma and limited access to cannabis-trained doctors remain significant barriers. Despite regulatory improvements, patients continue to face challenges in obtaining safe and legal cannabis.

The State of Cannabis in Germany: Key Findings from the 2024 Survey:

Widespread Use for Medical Purposes
A staggering 94.4% of respondents reported using cannabis to address health concerns such as chronic pain, stress, and sleep disorders. This underscores the importance of cannabis as a therapeutic option, with many users seeking to reduce reliance on traditional pharmaceuticals. For instance, 20% of patients reported being able to reduce or eliminate other medications due to cannabis use.

Continued Reliance on Illegal Sources
Despite legal advances, the majority of cannabis users still purchase from illegal markets, citing cost barriers and difficulties in accessing medical cannabis. Only 10% of participants obtained cannabis solely through legal channels, and more than 26% had purchased contaminated or low-quality cannabis on the black market, raising serious health concerns.

Stigma and Misunderstanding
Many respondents feel socially stigmatized due to their cannabis use, with 77% reporting negative societal attitudes. This stigma contributes to the persistence of illegal cannabis use, as patients fear being judged by healthcare providers and society. Interestingly, the survey dispels the notion that cannabis is primarily used by men; women accounted for 41% of users.

Telemedicine as a Solution
Access to cannabis-friendly doctors remains a hurdle, with 92% of respondents supporting the use of telemedicine as a safer, more convenient way to receive treatment. The demand for digital health services has skyrocketed, with patients eager for a streamlined process of receiving prescriptions and delivery from pharmacies.

Regional and Demographic Trends
The survey highlighted regional variations in cannabis use, with North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria showing the highest rates of consumption. Additionally, the data revealed that cannabis use is not restricted to younger people; 28% of users were between the ages of 31-40, and another 28% were aged 22-30.

    Challenges in Accessing Legal Cannabis

    Germany’s medical cannabis system, despite legal improvements, has failed to keep pace with patient demand. A significant portion of patients are still without access to physicians knowledgeable in cannabis therapies, forcing many to turn to illegal sources. This gap in healthcare is further exacerbated by doctors’ reluctance to prescribe cannabis due to lingering stigmas and a lack of education about its medical uses.

    Patients who rely on medical cannabis also face economic barriers. The survey revealed that a large number of users simply cannot afford the high cost of legally prescribed cannabis, which is often not fully covered by insurance. This drives many to the black market, despite concerns over quality and safety.

    Cannabis in Germany 2024
    Cannabis in Germany 2024

    Addressing Stigma and Misinformation

    Stigma remains one of the largest hurdles for medical cannabis patients in Germany. According to the survey, 77% of patients feel judged by society for their cannabis use, even though the vast majority use it for legitimate medical reasons. This negative perception often prevents patients from discussing their cannabis use with doctors, which can lead to unsafe consumption practices or ineffective treatment plans.

    Addressing stigma will require a multi-faceted approach, including public education campaigns to inform the public about the legitimate medical uses of cannabis and its potential to improve quality of life. The medical community also needs to be more proactive in normalizing cannabis treatments, offering patients a stigma-free environment to discuss their needs.

    The Growing Role of Telemedicine

    Telemedicine presents a promising solution to many of the access issues facing medical cannabis patients in Germany. With 92% of respondents supporting telemedicine for cannabis prescriptions, there is a clear demand for more flexible, patient-friendly healthcare solutions. Telemedicine can bridge the gap for those living in areas where cannabis-friendly doctors are scarce, offering consultations and prescriptions through digital platforms.

    Moreover, telemedicine aligns with the modern patient’s preference for convenience and privacy, making it an attractive option for those seeking cannabis treatments without the fear of social judgment.

    Policy Recommendations and the Path Forward

    The Cannabis Barometer data highlights several key areas where policy improvements are needed:

    1. Increase Education for Healthcare Providers: More doctors need comprehensive training on cannabis therapies to better meet the growing demand. This will reduce the number of patients turning to illegal sources.
    2. Tackle Stigma through Public Campaigns: Education campaigns targeting both the public and the medical community can help reduce the stigma surrounding cannabis use, encouraging safer and more transparent patient-doctor communication.
    3. Improve Access through Telemedicine: Telemedicine should be further integrated into the healthcare system, especially in rural areas where access to cannabis-friendly physicians is limited.
    4. Ensure Affordability of Legal Cannabis: Financial barriers to accessing medical cannabis need to be addressed, possibly through better insurance coverage or government subsidies to prevent patients from resorting to the black market.

    Conclusion

    The 2024 Cannabis Barometer survey sheds light on the complex landscape of medical cannabis use in Germany. While legalization has paved the way for improved access, significant barriers remain in the form of stigma, high costs, and limited healthcare access. Addressing these issues through policy reform, public education, and expanding telemedicine will be crucial in ensuring that cannabis can be safely and effectively used by the people who need it most.



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Biden

Consumer Use Sets Records On Cannabis!

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The speed of cannabis mainstreaming is setting records.

Since the first state went legal in 2016, consumers have moved to legal marijuana. Now, with over 50% of the country having access to it, things are starting to change.  And consumer use sets records on cannabis as all ages are starting to consume and consume more.  States who have full legal cannabis are bringing in more revenue from marijuana than alcohol. All fueled by consumers.

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The newest record is Michigan, a solid mid-western state. In the first year of it being available to the public, the state had $1 billion in sales.  Now, the Great Lakes State sets record with $295+ million in monthly marijuana sales. And it isn’t what you think, while it is being used to relax, it is also being used for its medical benefits.  Boomers, the generation who helped promote the War on Drugs, has turned to it for the medical benefits of managing inflammation, chronic pain, insomnia, and more.  And their grandchildren in Gen z are using it to combat anxiety. There generation has the highest amount of any other generation.

Photo by Hans via Pixabay

The other record is cannabis is taking a bit out of beer. Beer sales are down, especially earlier in the week as people are turning to vaping and gummies for a quick, low calorie and dose to relax after a busy start to the week.  Year over year growth is strong.  In 2022, sales were $30 million and in 2024, it is on track to be $38 million. While beer sales still far outpace cannabis at $117 billion, sales dropped again in 2023 by 5.1%. Another reason big liquor companies are wading into the cannabis market.

But the industry is still struggling and the Biden/Harris administration has failed to follow through on their 2020 promise to help the industry. Biden is one of the most seasoned policymakers in DC with 50 years of service, so it seems the failure of the DEA to make a move before the election could be planned. The DEA rescheduling move premiered at time to provide zero relief for the industry in 2024 as the DEA is not making an announcement until December.  Being post December, it could provide cover to the current administration to make make a move. Or if the GOP wins the presidency, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-KY) has made it clear he will move to reduce the industr



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Tips For Guys To Get A Dating App Response

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Finding a good partner can be a challenge…here are some tips to help with online dating.

Dating can be tough, and not everyone is an expert. While Gen Z is drifting away from apps, most of the rest of the population is still strong. In fact, 349 million people worldwide using dating apps. The vast majority of matchmaking is done on mobile devices. Over 50% of individuals who met someone on a dating app said it led to a romantic, exclusive relationship.

We interviewed the founders of Konvo Dating and discovered the  number one complaint from men is frustration over not getting responses to their messages to women. It’s hard to get noticed, especially when most men swipe indiscriminately at women they find attractive. This strategy partly explains why women are inundated with matches, and a man’s message is easily missed. Here are their tips for guys to get a dating app response. Here are tips for for guys to get a dating app response.

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Personalize Your First Message

A generic “Hey” or “What’s up?” will likely go unnoticed in a sea of similar messages. Women on dating apps receive many such messages, and the key to catching her attention is personalizing your approach. Take the time to read through her profile and find something unique to mention. Maybe she’s passionate about a particular hobby or traveled somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. Referencing something specific shows that you’ve paid attention and that your message isn’t just a copy-paste.

Why It Works: Personalizing your message makes her feel seen and appreciated for more than just her appearance. It tells her you’re genuinely interested in who she is, not just looking for a casual match.

Example: “I noticed you love hiking—have you been to [local trail]? I’ve been looking for new places to explore!”

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Photo by Westend61/Getty Images

Keep It Light and Playful

When starting a conversation, being lighthearted can help ease any initial awkwardness. Humor is an excellent tool for breaking the ice and creating a relaxed atmosphere. A playful comment or a light joke can set the tone for a fun conversation she wants to engage in. Just be mindful of your humor—keep it respectful and avoid anything that could be misinterpreted.

Why It Works: Playful conversations stand out because they’re enjoyable and easygoing. Women are more likely to respond to someone who can make them smile, especially in the often-serious world of online dating.

Example: “Your profile says you love dogs—does that mean you’ve mastered the art of the perfect dog selfie?”

Compliment Her Interests, Not Just Her Looks

Complimenting a woman’s appearance is fine, but leading with or only focusing on her looks might make it seem like you’re more interested in the surface-level aspects of who she is. To stand out, shift the focus to her hobbies, personality, or achievements. Compliment her based on her passion and show genuine curiosity about those interests.

Why It Works: Complimenting her interests makes her feel valued beyond her appearance, highlighting your interest in a deeper connection. It also allows her to talk more about something she cares about, making it easier to continue the conversation.

Example: “I’m impressed by your photography skills—how you captured [location] is incredible. How long have you been doing photography?”

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Instead of Talking About Your Ex, Talk About How You’ve Grown

Bringing up past relationships, especially in a negative light, can be a big red flag in early conversations. It signals unresolved issues and can create an uncomfortable dynamic. Instead of focusing on what went wrong in the past, share how you’ve grown and learned from those experiences. If the topic arises, frame your response positively, highlighting personal growth and looking forward to new opportunities.

Why It Works: Talking about personal growth rather than past drama shows emotional maturity and self-awareness, both attractive qualities. It shifts the focus away from the baggage and toward future possibilities.

Example: “I’ve learned a lot from my past relationships, especially about communication and understanding. I look forward to finding a fresh start and building something meaningful.”

Stay Positive and Optimistic

A positive attitude is incredibly appealing. Women are more likely to respond to someone who seems upbeat and optimistic about dating. Avoid complaining about your previous experiences with dating apps or expressing negativity. Instead, show excitement and a lighthearted attitude toward meeting new people. Positive energy is contagious and makes the conversation feel more enjoyable for both of you.

Why It Works: Positivity sets a welcoming tone and creates a comfortable space for conversation. Women are more inclined to engage with someone who radiates enthusiasm and doesn’t take things too seriously.

Example: “I’m new to this app and excited to meet interesting people. How’s your experience been so far?”

Navigating the world of dating apps can be tricky, but using these five tips from Konvo can set you apart and increase your chances of making a genuine connection. Personalizing your messages, staying playful, complimenting her interests, focusing on growth rather than baggage, and maintaining a positive attitude will improve your chances of a reply and set the stage for meaningful interaction.

Patience and understanding is a essential, KONVOdating.com has more tips.



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arthritis

Key Information About Joint Pain And Medical Marijuana

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Roughly 19% of the people suffer from joint pain – a daily struggle…but here is how medical marijuana can help.

Roughly 19% suffer from joint pain or some part of arthritis. Not only is it painful, it is disruptive in daily life. Some pain can be short term, like from sprains, an injury, tendinitis, or tendon inflammation, an infection of the bone or joint, or overuse of a joint. But some can be long term issues with an impact the patients like. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, bursitis, lupus and more can be long, lingering issues with pain. There is some hope, and cannabis might be one.  Here is key information about joint pain and medical marijuana.

RELATED: What’s Next For Rheumatoid Arthritis And Cannabis?

One study concluded about 20% of patients with rheumatoid diseases who actively consume cannabis report an improvement in pain. Cannabis contains key components which help reduce inflammation.  More research needs to be done to to perfect treatment and dosage, but early indicators look positive for help. Another current benefit of medical marijuana or CBD with joint pain, is it helps with sleep, which is a problem with people in chronic pain.

cannabis may treat fibromyalgia pain according to new study
Photo by Ake via rawpixel.com

Medical marijuana, in the right dose can also be easier on the body. Long used as a natural pain killer, it is less addictive and the body responds positively.  Currently used, orticosteroid injections have been a staple in managing pain and inflammation. With new research showcasing the long-term effects of one of the most used treatments, doctors and researchers are concerned about the risks of injections and the potential risks involved with cortisone. 

RELATED: Dear Dr. Green: Can Marijuana Topicals Help With Arthritis?

Boston University study found patients who had been given the medicine by injection found a risk for “accelerated adverse joint events after treatment.” Meaning, when a patient was treated for osteoarthritis or other joint pain via a shot of cortisone, it may have accelerated joint destruction and bone loss. The study also found certain preexisting conditions, such as older age and Caucasian race seemed to increase the risk for the outcome even more. Researchers recommended MRI pre-screening before injections were given to identify the area better and find if the danger could be accurately assessed before the dose was given. 

Not only can medical marijuana be helpful, but so can CBD. The Arthritis Foundation has a guide to CBD for those that suffer from the condition. According to Dr. Daniel Clauw, a contributor to the guide, “Right now, it (CBD) appears to be fairly safe and might help certain types of pain.” 

While CBD and THC can be used as part of a pain management regimen, they currently can not be the entire plan. Studies like the one conducted on cortisone treatments are bringing the conversations of cannabis and CBD to greater light and offering less stigmatization, but until more research is done, the best path for joint pain is still unknown.



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