Medical cannabis is becoming increasingly important in Germany. According to current data, more than one in seven pharmacies now offer cannabis on prescription. But what does the current supply situation look like? Who is entitled to a prescription and what challenges are there? This article sheds light on the development, legal framework and practical aspects of medical cannabis supply in Germany.
The current situation:
A recent analysis shows that over 15 % of German pharmacies stock medicinal cannabis. This corresponds to more than 2,000 pharmacies nationwide. This figure reflects the growing acceptance of cannabis as a treatment option – particularly for chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and severe epilepsy.
Nevertheless, there are regional differences: While availability is high in large cities such as Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, patients in rural areas often have longer journeys to get there.
Legal basis:
Since the 2017 amendment to the Cannabis Act, doctors in Germany have been able to prescribe medicinal cannabis under certain conditions. The prerequisites are
Severe diseases for which conventional therapies are not sufficiently effective.
Individual approval by the health insurance company (in some cases).
But despite legalization, hurdles remain:
Bureaucracy: Many patients have to submit lengthy applications.
Cost coverage: Not all health insurance companies reimburse the costs without problems.
Knowledge gaps: Some doctors are still unsure about dosing and prescribing.
Current trends:
The demand for medicinal cannabis is steadily increasing. The reasons for this are:
Increasing research: New studies prove the effectiveness in various clinical pictures.
Destigmatization: Cannabis is perceived less as a “narcotic” and more as a therapeutic option.
Expansion of supply: More and more pharmacies and specialized mail-order companies are offering cannabis.
Challenges & future prospects:
Despite the positive development, there is still room for improvement:
Better information for doctors and patients
Simplified cost coverage by health insurance companies
Expansion of regional supply, especially in rural regions
Experts predict that the market will continue to consolidate over the next few years – with more standardized processes and wider availability.
Conclusion:
Medical cannabis has arrived in Germany, but there is still a long way to go before it is available nationwide. Patients should find out about their rights and, if necessary, look for a cannabis-friendly pharmacy in their area.
Source: https://internationalcbc.com/more-than-1-out-of-every-7-german-pharmacies-offers-medical-cannabis/