Germany, which has one of the most progressive healthcare systems in the world, has also been at the forefront of promoting alternative treatment methods such as medical cannabis. Since March 2017, German law permits doctors from all fields of medicine to prescribe cannabis as an alternative treatment to their patients. Prior to 2017, the use of cannabis for medical purposes was severely restricted. Only certain patients with specific conditions, such as chronic pain or multiple sclerosis, could access it, and they had to go through a complex application process. However, the amendment in the law has significantly widened the scope and accessibility of medicinal cannabis. Now, any licensed medical practitioner in Germany can prescribe medical cannabis to patients if they believe it can alleviate symptoms, improve health outcomes or mitigate side effects of other treatments. This includes general practitioners, specialists, and even dentists. The decision to prescribe cannabis is left up to the doctor’s discretion, who must consider the potential benefits and risks for each individual patient. The drugs that can be prescribed are not only limited to medical cannabis flowers but also include cannabis-based medicines such as Sativex, Marinol, and Cesamet, as well as synthetic THC drugs like Dronabinol and Nabilone. These can be prescribed for a range of conditions including chronic pain, epilepsy, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and appetite loss or wasting in AIDS patients. In order to prescribe medicinal cannabis, physicians write a “narcotics prescription” (Betäubungsmittelrezept, or BtM-Rezept), which patients can fill at any pharmacy. Health insurance companies are obligated to cover the cost of cannabis treatment if no other equally effective treatment is available, or if the cannabis treatment promises better efficacy or tolerability. Even though any doctor can prescribe medicinal cannabis in Germany, it remains a second-line treatment. This means it is generally considered only if other standard treatments don’t work, cause too many side effects, or if the doctor believes that the patient could significantly benefit from it. Additionally, doctors who prescribe medicinal cannabis are required to share data about the efficacy, dosage, and side effects of the treatment with the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). This is part of a nationwide monitoring system intended to gather more information about the use of cannabis in medicine. In conclusion, Germany’s progressive stance on medicinal cannabis allows any doctor to prescribe it. This broad access is meant to ensure that patients who could benefit from cannabis therapy receive the best possible care, demonstrating Germany’s commitment to prioritizing patient health and well-being.

Medical cannabis has been legal in Germany since 2017 and can be prescribed by any doctor for patients with serious medical conditions ¹². The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) is responsible for determining which medical treatments are covered by the country’s statutory health insurance, and it has recently decided on new regulations for the prescribing of medicinal cannabis. The changes are expected to make it easier for patients to access the treatment in a ‘timely’ and ‘needs-based manner’, providing ‘security’ and ‘certainty’ around their care ¹. Under the new regulations, medical cannabis will be treated more in line with other medicines, with no additional requirements for the approval of dried flowers and extracts beyond the mandatory prescription requirements set out by the G-BA ¹.

If you are looking for medicinal cannabis clinics in Germany, you can find a list of them on the website of MyMediTravel ³. The website provides a list of clinics that offer medical cannabis treatment in Germany, along with the prices, costs, and reviews of each clinic. You can also find information about the best price for medical cannabis clinics in Germany on the website ³.

Please note that it is important to talk to your doctor before considering using medical cannabis for cancer-related pain. Your doctor can help you to determine if medical cannabis is right for you and can advise you on the best dosage and delivery method ¹.

Learn more:

1. cannabishealthnews.co.uk2. healtheuropa.com3. mymeditravel.com