Since April 1, 2024, there have been some positive changes for medical cannabis patients in Germany. The new regulations and access options represent an important step towards making the medical supply of cannabis more efficient, safer and accessible to more people. But how do you actually get medical cannabis and what's behind it?
What is medicinal cannabis and how does it work?
Medicinal cannabis is nothing more than cannabis for patients that is approved for medical purposes. The cannabis plant contains a variety of cannabinoids - including the best-known active ingredients THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). While THC is mainly known for its psychoactive effects, CBD has calming and anti-inflammatory properties. In the right dosage and combination, these substances can help in the treatment of various conditions, such as chronic pain, spasticity, epilepsy or nausea caused by chemotherapy.
How do you become a medicinal cannabis patient in Germany?
A few steps are necessary to become a medical cannabis patient in Germany. First, a doctor must determine the need for treatment. Medical cannabis is usually prescribed when conventional therapies are not sufficiently effective or cause severe side effects. The doctor then issues a prescription that can be filled at a pharmacy. It is also important that the costs are covered by health insurance - especially in the case of chronic illnesses.
What has changed since April 1, 2024?
The new regulations in force since April 1, 2024 aim to facilitate access to medicinal cannabis and at the same time improve supply. Here are the main changes:
Expanded access for patients
One of the biggest changes concerns access. More doctors - including those outside of specialized facilities - are now authorized to prescribe medical cannabis. This means that patients no longer have to endure long waiting times or travel long distances to see specialists. The uncomplicated access enables more people to benefit from this form of therapy.
Simplified approval procedures - cannabis no longer a narcotic
One of the most significant changes concerns the legal status of cannabis: since April 1, 2024, cannabis is no longer classified as a narcotic. This not only facilitates access for patients, but also has a positive impact on approval procedures. As cannabis is no longer subject to the strict Narcotics Act, patients and many doctors (see next paragraph) no longer have to submit time-consuming applications to obtain cost coverage from health insurance companies. This significantly shortens the processing time and ensures that patients can access their medication more quickly. In addition, bureaucratic hurdles have been removed, making the treatment of chronic illnesses with medicinal cannabis much less complicated.
Certain doctors no longer require authorization
In addition to general practitioners and anaesthetists, internists regardless of their specialty, neurologists, specialists in physical and rehabilitative medicine, psychiatry and psychotherapy as well as gynaecologists with a specialty in gynaecological oncology will no longer require prior approval from health insurance companies. Doctors in other specialist groups can also prescribe cannabis without prior authorization if they have acquired a certain additional qualification such as geriatrics or palliative medicine. All other specialists may still only prescribe cannabis medicines if the health insurance company has approved this in advance.
Increased product safety through stricter quality controls
The safety of the products has also been improved. New guidelines stipulate stricter quality controls for medicinal cannabis. This means that products are now tested even more thoroughly for their purity and concentration of active ingredients, guaranteeing patients consistent quality and efficacy. This is an important step forward for patients who depend on reliable dosing.
More transparency for patients
Thanks to new legal regulations, patients now receive more comprehensive information on prescribed cannabis products. This includes detailed information on the ingredients and instructions for use. The "Track 'n Trace" system from suppliers also makes it possible to trace the exact path of the cannabis product - from the plant to the pharmacy.
Medical cannabis and telemedicine - the path to a prescription from a distance
Since the relaxation of the legal requirements, patients in Germany can also obtain access to medicinal cannabis more easily than before via telemedicine. This means that a doctor can carry out the diagnosis and treatment via an online consultation without the patient having to visit a practice. This is a great advantage, especially for people with limited mobility or in rural areas. The entire process, from consultation to prescription, can be handled digitally, making access to medical cannabis much easier.
Advantages of telemedicine:
- Access from anywhere: patients can get medical advice from the comfort of their own home without having to travel long distances. This saves time and is particularly practical for people living in remote regions.
- Time efficiency: In many cases, waiting times can be reduced as appointments are allocated more flexibly and are often available more quickly.
- Discretion: For many patients, anonymous access to a doctor is particularly important, as the subject of cannabis can still be fraught with prejudice. Telemedicine offers a discreet alternative here.
- Alternative to the black market: Every gram taken off the black market is a good gram.
Disadvantages of telemedicine:
- Lack of personal contact: Remote treatment can reduce the sense of trust and security for some patients.
- Limited examination options: Physical examinations are not possible in telemedicine. The doctor must rely on the patient's statements and medical records, which can be a challenge for more complex diagnoses.
- Dubious business practices: Unfortunately, there are also providers in the emerging cannabis and telemedicine industry that are less than reputable. Some platforms promise quick access to medical cannabis, but rely on excessive automation and questionable medical practices. Patients should always make sure that they are being treated by certified doctors and that the quality of advice does not suffer in favor of quick prescriptions. It is important to choose providers that focus on patient well-being and medical care rather than speed.
Overall, telemedicine offers a modern, flexible way to access medical cannabis - with the right professional medical guidance, it can be a practical solution for many patients.
What are the benefits of medical cannabis for patients?
Medical cannabis offers patients an alternative treatment option, especially when conventional medication is not effective enough or has too many side effects. Here are some of the benefits:
- Pain relief: many patients report a significant reduction in chronic pain through the use of medicinal cannabis.
- Anti-inflammatory: Cannabis has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with conditions such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
- Improving quality of life: Medicinal cannabis can improve general well-being and alleviate symptoms such as nausea or sleep disorders, particularly in the case of serious illnesses such as cancer or neurological disorders.
Conclusion: medicinal cannabis - more options for patients
The changes as of April 1 represent an important step forward for the medical supply of cannabis. With extended access rights, improved controls and a simplification of bureaucratic processes, more patients can now benefit from the advantages of medicinal cannabis. However, as a patient, you should always seek comprehensive advice to find the right treatment method and ensure that the therapy is individually tailored.
At Marry Jane, we started cultivating medicinal cannabis this year and look forward to helping countless patients from 2025. Do you have any questions? Contact us - we'll be happy to help!
Stay informed and healthy, your Marry Jane team.
All information without guarantee.
Note on the use of language:
For reasons of readability, we do not use gender-neutral language in our texts. However, it goes without saying that all genders are always addressed equally. At Marry Jane, we attach great importance to inclusion and equality - everyone is welcome here, regardless of gender, identity or origin.
