An assessment of the proposed tightening of Germany’s Medical Cannabis Law
Berlin, July 15, 2025 – The draft bill to amend the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG) has been released, and debate is heating up. But amidst all the justified criticism of the current system, we must not lose sight of a key fact: this draft is not the final word. Rather, it represents maximalist demands by the Federal Ministry of Health—demands that overshoot the actual regulatory goals by far.
The Numbers in Context
The Ministry’s argument is built around a striking statistic: a 170% increase in cannabis imports during the second half of 2024, compared to only 9% growth in prescriptions covered by statutory health insurance (GKV). This discrepancy, they argue, shows that the boom is concentrated in the private prescription sector.
However, there is no direct proof linking increased imports to a growing number of so-called “non-patients.” In fact, the rise in self-paying patients does not equate to misuse. Since medical cannabis was legalized in 2017, it has become an essential part of many treatment regimens—especially for chronic pain. Not to mention: lower prices have made treatment much more affordable, even for those paying out of pocket.
The Real Problem: Collateral Damage
This draft doesn’t just target alleged “recreational users in disguise”—it would harm legitimate patients the most. That cannot be the intent of such legislation.
A blanket ban on mail-order cannabis would effectively shut down the entire pharmaceutical shipping model, excluding many patients from access. Given the regional disparities in Germany’s pharmacy landscape—and the high diversity of cannabis strains—many patients would struggle to find their prescribed medication locally.
The Political Reality
It is hard to imagine this draft passing into law in its current form. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) will likely push back within the governing coalition. After all, the proposal directly contradicts the goals of the current government, which has aimed to improve nationwide patient access to high-quality medical cannabis via pharmacies.
That was the purpose of the MedCanG: to lower barriers for both patients and doctors. The current draft completely undermines that mission.
Sensible Compromises Are Possible
I fully support the requirement that first-time consultations be conducted as real conversations between doctor and patient. But whether this takes place in person or via telemedicine should be flexible. From a patient care perspective, both options must remain available.
The Ministry is right to question platforms that issue prescriptions based solely on online questionnaires. But it’s equally wrong to eliminate the entire digital care model rather than improve it.
Similarly, a total ban on mail-order medical cannabis is difficult to imagine becoming law. Such a move would stand in direct opposition to patient needs for reliable, nationwide access to pharmacy-grade cannabis.
What About EU Doctors?
Even if the draft were to pass, it likely would not affect EU-licensed doctors. Platforms working with physicians based in other EU countries would still be able to issue valid prescriptions under EU law. Patients could then have these filled in Germany—though no longer via mail order, if the ban is enacted.
Conclusion: Significant Changes Expected
The MedCanG is already a special regulatory framework, so the fact that it comes with unique rules is understandable. But the measures proposed in this draft are far too drastic. They would effectively prohibit telemedicine treatment models and eliminate mail-order dispensing altogether.
Both outcomes are disproportionate responses to a problem that needs a balanced, targeted solution.
I expect significant changes during the legislative process. The public consultation runs until August 1st—and there is much to discuss before a sustainable, patient-centered solution can be found—one that secures medical access while preventing misuse.
