Canopy Growth Polska, the international subsidiary of Canadian cannabis giant Canopy Growth, has made the decision to withdraw its popular medical marijuana strain, Penelope, from the Polish market. The strain, which contains 8% THC and 7% CBD, has been a favorite among Polish patients. However, the company has stated that the strain’s aging has led to quality instability, prompting them to discontinue it.
“The decision to discontinue Penelope was very difficult for us, as it is a strain that enjoyed huge interest. However, our commitment to providing only the highest quality products forced us to take this step,” said a representative of Canopy Growth Polska.
While Penelope was a flagship product for the company, Canopy Growth Polska is currently developing new strains that will offer a similar profile to Penelope. These new strains are expected to be available in the Polish market soon.
“The process of registering new varieties of medical cannabis in Poland is time-consuming, but we are constantly working to provide patients with appropriate substitutes as quickly as possible. Our goal is to ensure continuity of therapy and support for doctors and patients,” said the company representative.
The withdrawal of Penelope comes at a time when the Polish government is taking steps to tighten regulations on medical marijuana, citing concerns over potential misuse. While only 2,909 cannabis prescriptions were issued in 2019, that number skyrocketed to 276,807 in 2023, marking a 9,420% increase over that period. This surge in demand has also attracted the attention of large international cannabis companies.
This year, Curaleaf Holdings, a major U.S. cannabis company, expanded into the Polish market by acquiring Can4Med, a pharmaceutical wholesaler specializing in cannabinoid medication.
Despite the government’s tightening regulations, a recent survey conducted by the Polish Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS) revealed that 73.4% of Poles support the decriminalization of cannabis. However, recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Poland.
The growing popularity and demand for medical marijuana in Poland present a clear opportunity for cannabis companies. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Polish government balances its concerns with the growing demand for cannabis-based treatments.
