Germany Tightens Medical Cannabis Rules to Curb Online Prescription Abuse

The German government has approved major changes to the regulations governing medical cannabis. The amendment to the Medical Cannabis Act (Medizinal-Cannabisgesetz) was passed on October 8th, 2025.

The most significant change is the end of online prescriptions in Germany issued without a prior doctor’s appointment. Health Minister Nina Warken puts it bluntly: this is a fight against “internet abuse.”

Why this sudden change in Germany? The government points to statistics

The federal government justifies the changes by citing a “massive increase” in medical cannabis imports, a trend that has been occurring since the previous regulations took effect in April 2024. The data is clear.

400% increase in imports vs. minimal increase in reimbursed prescriptions

Cannabis imports to Germany in the first half of 2025 increased by over 400% compared to 2024. The numbers are as follows:

2024: approx. 19 tons
2025: approx. 80 tons

The data from the first quarter of 2025 (37.2 tonnes) also shows a huge jump compared to the first quarter of 2024 (8.1 tonnes).

However, the government emphasizes a key issue: This increase is not driven by the needs of seriously ill patients. How was this verified? The number of prescriptions reimbursed by health insurance funds in Germany (GKV) increased by only a few percent during this time (the phrase “single-digit growth” was used).

How has the system worked so far in Germany?

So where did this “internet abuse” the Minister of Health speaks of come from? The current system, in effect since April 2024, was very liberal.

Patients could obtain a prescription for medical cannabis entirely online. This was done through telemedicine platforms, often without any prior in-person contact with a doctor. Furthermore, after receiving the prescription (e.g., digitally), patients did not need to visit a pharmacy. They could use the mail-order option (Versandweg) and have the medication delivered directly to their home, similar to a standard online order.

In short, the entire process—from medical consultation to receiving medication—could be completed without leaving home. The government considered this route (telemedicine without a visit + postal delivery) to be the main cause of the problem and the massive increase in imports.

What exactly will change for patients in Germany? (Key changes)

The new rules are intended to make access to medical cannabis more difficult. A similar situation occurred in Poland, which led to a ban. Currently, a prescription for medical cannabis can be obtained after visiting a cannabis clinic.

The German government also assures that patients with serious medical conditions will continue to have safe access to treatment. Here are the three most important changes introduced by the law.

Change 1: First prescription only after in-person visit

This means no more quick prescriptions via telemedicine for new patients. Doctors will only be able to prescribe medical cannabis after a face-to-face meeting. The appointment must take place in the office or during a home visit.

The government explains that doctors must conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination. They must also assess the patient’s general health, other illnesses, and medications they are taking. Doctors will also be given a new obligation: they must constantly inform patients about the risk of addiction and the possible side effects of treatment.

Change 2: No more sending medicines by post (but there is an exception)

The law prohibits the nationwide shipment (Versandweg) of medical cannabis directly to patients. The government stipulates that patients must collect the medication in person at a pharmacy. This requires “comprehensive information and advice” from a pharmacist.

Important exception: local courier services provided by a specific pharmacy (Botendienst) will still be permitted.

Change 3: Mandatory annual visit (What about telemedicine?)

What about patients already receiving treatment and needing additional prescriptions? They will be required to see a doctor in person at least once a year. The law specifically stipulates “one in-person consultation every four quarters.”

If a patient completes such a visit (which must be for medical cannabis treatment), there’s good news: For the next three quarters, they can receive follow-up prescriptions (Folgeverschreibungen) via telemedicine. Telemedicine isn’t disappearing entirely, but it will be severely limited.

Minister of Health: “This is a fight against abuse, not against patients”

Health Minister Nina Warken is clear. “Medical cannabis is a prescription drug, not a product for purely recreational purposes,” she said in a statement.

She emphasized that the goal is to “prohibit targeted abuse of online prescriptions.” Minister Warken also reiterated the government’s promise, assuring that “for patients who are medically dependent on medical cannabis, supplies continue to be ensured.”

Will patients run out of medicine? Imports are already at their limits

The new law in Germany isn’t the only problem for patients and the market. The situation in the import market is very tense.

The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) recently made a significant announcement. Germany’s estimated annual demand for medical cannabis for 2025 has already been met .

The import limit in Germany for this calendar year is 122 tons. As a result, the BfArM has temporarily suspended the issuance of new import licenses. This is not a complete import ban, but it may mean longer waiting times for applications to be processed. It is unknown how long the suspension will last. The 2025 limit may be revised.

__

(Featured image by Christian Paul Stobbe via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

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

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.