The Czech government has taken an important step in healthcare policy: since April 2025, all doctors in the country have been able to legally prescribe medicinal cannabis. This change facilitates access for patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and other conditions. But what does this mean in concrete terms? Who can benefit from it? And how does the prescription work in practice?
The new regulation: What has changed?
Until now, the prescription of medicinal cannabis in the Czech Republic was restricted to specialized doctors and certain clinics. With the new change in the law, any licensed doctor can now prescribe cannabis as a treatment option – regardless of specialty.
What requirements apply?
The doctor must consider the treatment to be medically necessary.
Patients must have a diagnosed indication (e.g. chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms, neurological diseases).
The prescription is issued via a special prescription that can be filled in licensed pharmacies.
For which diseases is medicinal cannabis suitable?
Studies show that cannabis can provide relief for various ailments. The most common areas of application in the Czech Republic include
Chronic pain (e.g. arthritis or fibromyalgia)
Neurological diseases (epilepsy, multiple sclerosis)
Mental disorders (anxiety disorders, PTSD – but with stricter indications)
Accompanying cancer therapy (nausea due to chemotherapy, loss of appetite)
Note: Not every patient responds to the treatment in the same way. Individual consultation with the doctor is essential.
How does the prescription work?
Consultation: The doctor checks whether cannabis is useful as a therapy.
Issuing prescriptions: A BtM prescription (narcotics prescription) is issued with consent.
Pharmacy purchase: Only specialized pharmacies may dispense medical cannabis.
Cost coverage: The health insurance company only covers the costs in certain cases – many patients pay themselves.
Legal framework
The Czech Republic is one of the most liberal countries in the EU when it comes to cannabis. Important to know:
Private cultivation remains prohibited (except with special permission).
THC limits in medical cannabis are regulated.
Traveling with cannabis: Possible within the EU, but only with a prescription and limited quantity.
Future prospects
Experts expect the demand for medicinal cannabis to increase in the Czech Republic. Critics warn of insufficient information and call for more training for doctors. Nevertheless, the change in the law is a milestone for patient care.
Source: https://internationalcbc.com/all-doctors-in-czechia-can-now-prescribe-medicinal-cannabis/Uz