Nina Warken criticizes online prescriptions and signals stricter rules – but the growing demand also presents opportunities
Since Germany partially legalized cannabis in April 2024, not only has recreational consumption increased — the medical cannabis market is also booming. Now, newly appointed Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) warns of “clear abuse” in the online prescription of medical cannabis. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, she announced plans to crack down on prescriptions that are too easily accessible.
Background: A Threefold Increase Within One Year
According to the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), the consumption of medical cannabis has tripled, rising from 31 tons to 100 tons since April 2024, compared to the same period the previous year. For Minister Warken, this sharp rise is “disturbing” and a sign that the current system is too easily manipulated.
“People tick off symptoms on a checklist and then receive an online prescription,” Warken explained. The CDU politician argues that medical cannabis is often consumed not due to genuine medical necessity, but as a workaround to legalization restrictions. She announced plans to tighten the legal requirements for online prescriptions.
“That’s why I want to restrict online prescriptions that are too easily accessible: Even for medical cannabis, there must be a clear indication.”
Source: Federal Ministry of Health Interview – FAZ, May 25, 2025
Opportunity or Setback for the Medical Market?
For startups, pharmacies, and providers who have long focused on the growing demand for standardized, regulated medical cannabis, Warken’s comments signal potential regulatory headwinds. At the same time, the surge in consumption underscores one thing clearly: The demand is real. Pharmaceutical-grade cannabis with a clear medical indication is increasingly replacing unregulated black-market alternatives.
Key Takeaways for Startups and Investors:
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Transparency wins: Business models should emphasize medical integrity, evidence-based indications, and professional medical supervision.
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Telemedicine under scrutiny: Those offering cannabis therapy via online platforms should expect more oversight and implement quality assurance processes early.
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Factor in political communication: Warken’s comments make clear: public and political perception matters — even in the medical cannabis sector.
Take Away:
Nina Warken’s position marks a policy shift in Germany’s medical cannabis debate. For cannabis startups, this means: prepare now for tighter regulations — while continuing to meet the public’s growing demand for legal, high-quality medical cannabis with professionalism and responsibility.
