Poland’s Medical Cannabis Prescriptions Decline Amid Regulatory Changes

LOS ANGELES- Recent regulatory changes in Poland have led to a significant decrease in medical cannabis prescriptions. In August 2023, the Ministry of Health implemented a regulation requiring physicians to verify a patient’s medication history and conduct examinations, either in-person or online, if more than three months have passed since the last assessment. This move aimed to address concerns over the ease of obtaining medical cannabis prescriptions through online consultations.

Following the implementation of these regulations, the number of medical cannabis prescriptions in Poland decreased from 68,000 in October 2024 to 28,000 by December 2024. Jakub Kosikowski, spokesman for the Supreme Medical Chamber, noted that this decline was anticipated, stating, “This change is not surprising at all, because medical cannabis was largely used not for treatment, but for recreation. The new regulations limit this phenomenon.”

In a related development, Poland is reportedly considering a ban on cannabidiol (CBD) products. While specific details of the proposed ban are not yet available, such a move would align with the country’s cautious approach to cannabis-related substances.

These regulatory changes reflect Poland’s ongoing efforts to balance patient access to medical cannabis with concerns over potential misuse. The impact of these measures on patient care and the broader medical cannabis market in Poland remains to be seen.