Germany Moves to Curb Medical Cannabis Abuse, Sparking Access Concerns

It’s not difficult to find websites where you can get an online prescription for medical cannabis in Germany. It only takes a few minutes to complete the mandatory questionnaire. Then upload your ID, request the prescription, and order the appropriate buds.

In such cases, one could indeed speak of abuse, said Franjo Grotenhermen, managing director of the Working Group for Cannabis in Medicine. “The professional code of conduct for physicians stipulates that medical treatment cannot be carried out exclusively via electronic media. This may only be done in exceptional cases. We now sometimes have the situation where people simply go online and don’t even have contact with any doctor. That’s not good medicine.”

Cannabis imports in Germany increase significantly within a year

It’s difficult to quantify how many people in Germany order cannabis this way, even though it might not be medically necessary. The federal government is basing the extent of the abuse on the growing volumes of imports. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices oversees imports. Spokesperson Maik Pommer explained: “In the first quarter of 2024, around eight tons were imported for medical and medical-scientific purposes, and in the first quarter of 2025, the comparable quarter, 37 tons were already imported.”

Prescriptions paid for by health insurance companies have not increased nearly as much. Federal Health Minister Nina Warken therefore wants to make doctor visits mandatory again.

Pharmacy requirement instead of online delivery

According to Warken, medical cannabis will also only be available in pharmacies and no longer via mail order in Germany. This is a problem for those affected, says Antonia Menzel, chairwoman of the German Association of Pharmaceutical Cannabinoid Companies.

“In practice, this means long waiting times for appointments for patients. Furthermore, there is a lack of care in economically weak and rural areas.” This results in an additional burden, especially for people with chronic and serious illnesses. “This effectively blocks access for many,” said Menzel.

Pharmacists’ associations call for stricter prescribing practices

The Federal Association of German Pharmacists opposes this . Warken’s draft law is correct, says President Thomas Preis. Doubts had already arisen as to whether medical cannabis would reach the right target group. For example, studies in 2021 showed that a particularly high number of prescriptions were issued to young men via private prescriptions. “We have the fatal trend that people think that what is legal is also safe. But cannabis is an addictive drug.”

Older people in Germany who regularly use cannabis also have problems. “We see this in the US and Canada: these people often suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease. More than others.” Stricter prescription practices could counteract this, Preis said.

Why cannabis is becoming more popular among seniors – and what risks this entails

Antonia Menzel and Franjo Grotenhermen also say that certain areas need to be tightened up. However, the Health Minister’s proposal goes too far. It is sufficient to monitor the online platforms and ensure compliance with medical due diligence.

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(Featured image by CRYSTALWEED cannabis via Unsplash)

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First published in mdr. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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