Following the legalization of cannabis in Germany, the medical cannabis market in this country has experienced a considerable boom, positioning itself as one of the most advanced in Europe. German pharmacies offer a variety of carefully selected genetics grown under strict standards, designed to treat a wide range of conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, or neurological disorders. However, many users and growers also look for alternatives in the seed market, either out of curiosity or for their cultivation in countries where home-growing is regulated.
In this article, we invite you to explore some of the most in-demand pharmaceutical options along with their possible equivalents in the seed market. This provides a broad overview for those seeking information on these specific genetics or just to find a good alternative to these flowers so that you can grow them yourself from the comfort of your home.
Cannabis in German pharmacies
The legalization of cannabis in Germany represents a significant step forward in the regulation of this plant, consolidating the country as a leader in progressive cannabis policies in Europe. In the medical field, pharmacies play a central role in distributing pharmaceutical-grade products, ensuring rigorous control of cultivation, processing, and dosage. Patients with ailments such as chronic pain, anxiety, or epilepsy have access to safe treatments under medical supervision, with the possibility of purchasing flowers in pharmaceutical establishments.
In parallel, the debate on the legalization of recreational use continues to gain ground. The proposed model seeks to establish a regulated market that includes measures such as self-cultivation and cannabis social clubs, prioritizing public health and combating the illegal market. This balanced approach could set precedents in Europe, demonstrating how to integrate cannabis responsibly into society, both for therapeutic and recreational use.
With the implementation of these policies, Germany is not only redefining the relationship between society and cannabis but also opening doors to new economic and social opportunities, marking the beginning of a new era for the cannabis sector on the old continent. However, in many cases – especially considering that self-cultivation is also legal – the user prefers to grow their own flowers, although it is not always easy to find genetics that works as an alternative to those offered in pharmacies.
Below we will help you with this task, offering you a list of some of the most popular flowers in German pharmacies and the possible alternatives that you can find on the seed market for each of them. As you will see, these seeds are not that difficult to obtain, so growing them in your own home and thus achieving quality beyond all doubt should not be a problem.
Cannabis in Germany
Germany has been put in the spotlight after the latest news about the legalization and regulation of recreational cannabis in its territory, which should be approved in a few days. Today we tell you about the origins of this plant in German territory, its evolution over the centuries and how this happy situation has finally been reached, which we hope will inspire other EU countries.
Alternative varieties to those found in German pharmacies
In Germany, access to medicinal cannabis through pharmacies is strictly regulated, offering high-quality products designed to treat various medical conditions. However, patients and growers often look for alternatives that cater to specific needs or allow self-cultivation in countries where it is legal. Below, we present a selection of cannabis strains available on the seed market that can offer very similar cannabinoid and terpene profiles to pharmacy products, providing interesting options for therapeutic and recreational users.
Bathera 25/1 from IUVO Therapeutics (Fine Cookies)
Fine Cookies (Cream Biscotti) is a hybrid cannabis strain born from the cross between Gelato and South Florida OG known for its sweet and creamy flavor profile. Without a doubt, it stands out for its intense sweet notes with a hint of nuts and biscuits, evoking the aroma of a delicious freshly baked dessert.
Fine Cookies has a high THC content and produces relaxing and happy effects, causing uncontrollable fits of laughter and is ideal for relaxing, relieving stress or anxiety, and stimulating creativity. Its buds are usually dense and covered in trichomes, displaying green tones with purple hues. It is a popular choice for both growers and the most demanding consumers.
If you want to grow genetics very similar to Fine Cookies, we recommend Biscotti from Barney’s Farm or Biscotti 2.0 from The Plug Seedbank.
420 Evolution 25/1 CA MAC by Four 20 Pharma (Mac 1)
MAC 1 (Miracle Alien Cookies) is one of the most notable cannabis strains in recent years due to its impressive balance between potency and flavor. This hybrid, created from Alien Cookies and a great selection of Starfighter x Colombia, is characterized by its complex terpene profile that combines citrus, floral, and earthy notes, with a sweet touch.
With a high THC content, it usually produces stimulating effects for the mind and deeply relaxing effects for the body, ideal for both recreational and medicinal use. MAC 1 flowers stand out for their density, trichome coating, and beautiful lilac tones, making them a favorite among growers and users. Its cultivation requires some experience, as it demands specific care to maximize its quality and production.
As an alternative to the original MAC 1, which is often downright hard to come by, you can try Auto Mac #1 from Dutch Passion or Mac#1 Auto from Grower’s Choice.
Bedrocan from Bedrocan (Afina)
Afina is a classic hybrid that combines the robust genetics of Afghani with the power and versatility of Skunk, resulting in a plant with a balanced character and high yield. This variety stands out for its relaxing and calming effects, characteristic of its Indica heritage, together with a touch of soft energy provided by its sativa part.
Her buds are usually compact and resinous, with earthy, spicy, and sweet aromas, typical of her lineage. Ideal for both beginner and experienced growers, Afina offers stability, resistance to pests and diseases, and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for recreational and medicinal users.
Since Afina is a hybrid between Afghani and Skunk, the recommendation in this case is clear; you have endless options for this same hybrid but with another name that probably sounds more familiar to you, Critical Mass. Two excellent options can be Critical + 2.0 from Silent Seeds or Critical Auto XXL from Philosopher Seeds, in case you are interested in automatic genetics.
enua 22/1 BCP CA Black Cherry Punch by enua Pharma (Black Cherry Punch)
Black Cherry Punch is a hybrid cannabis strain with a distinctive genetic profile that combines Black Cherry Pie and the famous Purple Punch, used in countless hybrids for its excellent parent qualities. It is characterized by dense and compact buds with intense purple and dark green hues and a shiny layer of trichomes that highlights its visual appeal, giving it a great bag appeal.
Aroma and flavor are its strong points, with sweet notes of cherry, tropical fruits, and a touch of earthy spices. Its effects are deeply relaxing, ideal for relieving stress or promoting restful sleep, with a slight euphoria that improves mood.
If you want to grow this strain, we recommend trying Black Cherry Punch from Pyramid Seeds or Black Cherry Gushers from Barney’s Farm.
Drapalin 26/1 Oreoz from Drapalin Pharmaceuticals (Oreoz)
Oreoz is a hybrid cannabis strain that combines a balanced genetic profile with unique characteristics. It comes from the cross between Cookies & Cream and Secret Weapon, offering an intense sensory experience. Oreoz buds are dense, resinous, and have an impressive visual appearance, with dark, purple, and bright green tones, with a thick layer of resin covering them.
As for its aroma and flavor, it stands out for its sweet and earthy notes with a creamy and chocolatey touch, evoking a gourmet dessert. Its effects combine deep relaxation with a light mental euphoria, perfect for moments of rest or moderate creativity.
You can find various Oreoz genetics at Alchimia, such as Original Oreoz from Grower’s Choice or Oreoz Auto from 00 Seeds Bank if you prefer it in auto-flowering format.
Madrecan 18/1 Punch Cake New by Remexian Pharma (Punch Cake)
Punch Cake is a delicious hybrid cannabis strain, the result of crossing Purple Punch and Wedding Cake. This genetics offers dense buds with a range of colors from lime green to dark purple, accompanied by a thick layer of crystalline trichomes.
Its aromatic profile stands out for its sweet and fruity notes, with hints of berries, vanilla, and a slight earthy nuance. Punch Cake’s effects are balanced, combining an initial euphoria that improves mood with deep relaxation at the body level, ideal for moments of rest and creativity.
A highly recommended option if you are interested in this particular genetic is Birthday Punch from Elev8 Seeds, a cross between a sister of Wedding Cake, Birthday Cake, and Purple Punch.
The history of Purple Punch (Alpha Cut)
In this blog post we’re going to dive right into the elite “Alpha Cut” clone of Purple Punch. We’ll take you on a tour from its beginnings to the present day, focusing on the characteristics of this wonderful cultivar. A selection highly appreciated by lovers of genuine terpenes, by breeders and by fans of resin extractions.
As you can see, exploring alternatives to the cannabis strains available in German pharmacies opens up a range of possibilities for growers and consumers. Whether looking for unique aromatic profiles, specific cannabinoid concentrations, or genetics more tailored to your needs, the seed market always offers varied and accessible options. These alternatives not only allow for customisation of the crop but also a deeper connection with the process of selecting and caring for your genetics. Considering these options can enrich the experience and diversify the choices of users…and you already know that there is nothing like growing your own buds!
Happy harvest!
