Germany’s Cabinet Advanced Restrictions Balancing Access and Control in Medical Cannabis

BERLIN – Germany’s federal cabinet cleared a draft bill that would require in-person doctor consultations before issuing medical Cannabis prescriptions and prohibit mail-order shipments, addressing a fourfold jump in imports over the past year. The measures, part of an amendment to the 2017 Medical Cannabis Act, come as the country’s Cannabis sector navigates growth following the partial legalization of recreational use in April 2024.

Under the proposal, patients could pick up prescriptions only at brick-and-mortar pharmacies after pharmacist counseling, ending the current practice where telemedicine allows online approvals and home delivery. Health Minister Nina Warken, whose ministry drafted the changes in July, pointed to import volumes that climbed from 19 metric tons in H1 2024 to 80 metric tons in the same period this year – a surge she linked to lax online prescribing rather than rising patient needs, as insurance-covered prescriptions grew by just single digits.

Warken described the trend as a “concerning negative development,” noting that security agencies struggle to address related offenses due to limited enforcement tools. “The massive increase in Cannabis imports and the practice of prescribing Cannabis online without any personal medical contact require political action,” she said in a statement. Supporters argue the rules would ensure thorough medical evaluations, reducing risks from unmonitored use.

Yet the plan has drawn pushback from patient advocates and industry players, who warn it could complicate access for those with mobility issues or in remote areas. A recent survey by telemedicine provider Bloomwell revealed that only 13% of patients seeking Cannabis from traditional doctors succeed, often because general practitioners cite insufficient expertise or fear insurance reimbursements, with just 16% of respondents rating their physicians as informed on the topic. Critics, however, contend rural patients might face barriers to care, potentially pushing some back to unregulated sources.

The restrictions threaten to reshape a market that hit €420 million in sales last year and eyes €1 billion by 2028. Telemedicine firms, which handle a bulk of private prescriptions fueling imports, stand to lose the most; analysts estimate a full ban on remote consultations and deliveries could slash the sector by nearly half, stalling job creation and foreign investments like High Tide’s €4.8 million stake in domestic cultivator Purecan GmbH earlier this year. Florian Pichlmaier, managing director at Signature Products, called for standardized care protocols instead of broad curbs, adding that scrutiny should target rogue platforms rather than the entire system.

The bill now heads to the Bundestag for debate, where divisions in the CDU-SPD coalition could prompt tweaks; the SPD has voiced concerns over re-criminalizing legitimate users. Warken assured that “people who really need medicinal Cannabis will still be able to get it,” signaling room for compromise.

All in all, this step underscores the new government’s intent to recalibrate post-legalization momentum without upending core access. If moderated in parliament, it might foster a more sustainable framework by prioritizing verified demand. Otherwise, it risks fragmenting a promising European hub. Investors should monitor amendments closely. Stability here could set precedents for neighbors like the Netherlands or Switzerland.