News · Cannabis Policy
The German Bundestag has decided to remove cannabis flowers from the special benefits covered by statutory health insurance. Many people currently undergoing therapy are uncertain. We've compiled the current situation for you – factually, without causing panic.
Current status
The law has been passed, but it is not yet in effect.
The Bundestag has passed it, and the second reading in the Bundesrat has been completed. However, it has not yet been published in the Federal Law Gazette – until then, the existing legal situation generally remains in effect. Last reviewed: July 15, 2026.
There are many changes currently taking place regarding the supply of medical cannabis. The core of the change: cannabis flowers will no longer be reimbursed under the special benefits entitlement of statutory health insurance (GKV). Standardized cannabis extracts and medications containing the active ingredients dronabinol or nabilone will continue to be covered under the existing legal provisions – flowers are no longer mentioned in the new regulations.
For many with an existing or approved flower therapy prescription, this raises urgent questions: Will my approval remain valid? Do I need to switch providers? What happens to prescriptions already issued? Some of these questions simply haven't been definitively answered yet. Therefore, it's all the more important not to rush into anything.
the essentials in brief
- Adopted, but not in effect: The amendment will only take effect on the day after its publication in the Federal Law Gazette.
- Those affected are people with statutory health insurance. who receive or wish to receive cannabis flowers at the expense of their health insurance – especially during ongoing therapy.
- Extracts, dronabinol and nabilone They should remain reimbursable if the legal requirements are met.
- Self-paying and privately insured persons are not directly affected by the loss of entitlement to statutory health insurance benefits – different principles apply here.
- Much remains uncertain: Handling existing authorizations, already issued prescriptions and ongoing procedures.
What you can do now
The German Association of Cannabis Patients (BDCan) recommends a cautious approach to affected patients. These four steps summarize the key points:
- Do not stop taking your medication on your own. Do not change the dosage or application unless advised by a doctor.
- Schedule an appointment soon Arrange an appointment at your treating physician's office.
- Store documents – Approvals and letters from your health insurance company should be filed in a well-organized manner.
- Insist on written documentation: If the health insurance company questions further coverage, please provide a written notification or decision.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly was decided?
The German Bundestag has decided to remove cannabis flowers from the special benefits covered by statutory health insurance. Standardized extracts, as well as dronabinol and nabilone medications, will continue to be covered under the existing legal requirements. The amendment will only take effect after its promulgation and entry into force.
Does my existing permit still apply?
This is not yet definitively settled. An existing authorization should not be prematurely considered invalid, nor should its continued validity be assumed – the content and duration of the notification, as well as the actions of the health insurance provider, may be decisive. Keep your notification safe and request a written decision if there are any restrictions.
Do I need to switch to a different cannabis-based medicine?
A change in medication should only be made after a medical examination. Your doctor will assess whether a different medication or dosage form is suitable, taking into account its previous effectiveness, tolerability, and your individual care situation. Do not discontinue your medication without consulting your doctor.
Should I contact my health insurance company now as a precaution?
You can decide for yourself; it's not mandatory for everyone. A written inquiry can be helpful if you want to know early on how your health insurance provider will handle your approval. If you do contact them: submit your request in writing and keep a copy. If your request is denied over the phone, ask for a written, reasoned decision with information on your right to appeal.
Does the change also affect self-paying or privately insured individuals?
The change directly affects entitlement to benefits under statutory health insurance. Those paying out of pocket are not directly affected by the elimination of reimbursement under statutory health insurance. Private health insurance and supplementary benefits have different benefit regulations, which must be examined separately.
What is still unclear?
Among other things, the handling of temporary and permanent authorizations, prescriptions issued before the law comes into effect but filled afterward, and pending applications, appeals, and lawsuits remains unclear. The application of the planned six-month trial period for ongoing therapies is also still undecided.
Possible legal steps
If your continued benefits are in question, the specific decision and its deadlines are crucial. The BDCan suggests the following steps as a guideline:
- Contradiction against an adverse decision – the deadline is usually one month after notification.
- Lawsuit before the social court if the objection is rejected – also regularly within a one-month period.
- Preliminary legal protection at the social court in the event of an acute, medically documented gap in care.
Which step is appropriate in each individual case depends on your situation. Observe existing deadlines and seek qualified social welfare law advice as early as possible.
Why we are addressing this topic
HIZEN has been manufacturing vaporizers for herbs and aromatherapy since 2014. Because legal regulations directly impact the daily lives of many people in our community, we provide objective information on important developments here. We share general information – not medical or legal advice for individual cases. For your personal situation, your healthcare provider, your health insurance company, and qualified counseling centers are the right contacts.
Sources & further information
- German Association of Cannabis Patients: Statutory health insurance reimbursement for cannabis flowers – What patients should know now
- BDCan checklist for the practical interview (PDF)
- Federal Ministry of Health: Statutory Health Insurance Contribution Rate Stabilization Act
- German Bundestag: Legislative resolution of 10 July 2026
- Joint Federal Committee: FAQ on the prescription of medical cannabis
This article summarizes publicly available information as of the date of publication (July 15, 2026) and is for general information purposes only. It does not replace individual medical, legal, or social welfare advice and does not constitute a recommendation for action. The legal situation can change at short notice. HIZEN devices are electric aromatherapy devices; no medical claims are associated with them.
