On October 8, 2025, the German Federal Cabinet approved a draft law to modify the German Medical Cannabis Act . The aim of the reform is to more strictly regulate misuse of prescriptions and imports of medical-grade cannabis flowers—without impairing patient care.
Below you will find a comprehensive overview of the main changes, backgrounds, opportunities, and potential challenges – to keep readers on Hizen well informed.
1. Initial situation & urgency of the reform
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Since the previous law came into effect in April 2024, there has been a sharp increase in imports of cannabis flowers for medical purposes. In the first half of 2025, imports rose from around 19 to approximately 80 tons – an increase of more than 400%.
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During the same period, however, the number of prescriptions issued via statutory health insurance (GKV) increased only slightly – raising questions about possible prescription abuse.
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A key point of criticism: many prescriptions are issued via internet platforms, often without personal medical contact. The draft law aims to restrict this practice.
These developments have prompted the federal government to intervene legislatively – with the aim of continuing to ensure medical cannabis supply while reducing abuse and non-medical use.
2. The key changes in the draft law
2.1 Obligation to contact a doctor personally
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In the future, cannabis flowers may only be prescribed if there has been direct doctor-patient contact – either in the doctor's office or as part of a home visit.
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This regulation is intended to ensure that a thorough medical assessment, medical history and physical examination takes place.
2.2 Restrictions on telemedical prescriptions
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For follow-up prescriptions , a personal consultation will be required at least once every four quarters.
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In up to three of the four quarters, a prescription can be issued via telemedicine under certain conditions – provided that the previous personal contact has already taken place and is related to the cannabis prescription.
2.3 Shipping ban & pharmacy advice
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The shipment of medicinal cannabis by mail will no longer be permitted. The draft law stipulates that the dispensing of the flowers must take place through pharmacies, where personal consultation, information, and quality control are possible.
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Pharmacy delivery services remain permitted provided they ensure that our advisory obligations are met during dispensing.
2.4 Further obligations & control mechanisms
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The draft law emphasizes a more intensive duty to provide information , e.g. regarding the risk of addiction as well as physical or psychological risks associated with cannabis use.
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The draft explicitly states that it aims to prohibit professional regulatory abuse via the internet.
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The quality, safety and traceability of imported cannabis flowers should also be more closely monitored.
3. Opportunities & Challenges
opportunities
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Greater legitimacy of medical prescription
The reform could help strengthen trust in cannabis as a medical aid by making prescriptions more transparent and medically sound. -
Reducing abuse
Personal checks and stricter controls via online channels are intended to reduce opportunities for inadmissible prescriptions. -
Securing supplies
The draft law emphasizes that medical care should continue to be guaranteed – even after the changes. -
Legal clarity
A clearer legal framework with binding requirements is being created for doctors, pharmacies and patients.
challenges
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Access and availability
In rural areas or places with a low density of specialists and pharmacies, patients may have to accept longer journeys or longer waiting times in the future. -
Telemedicine restrictions
For patients with mobility problems or in poorly served regions, the mandatory appointments could be problematic, even if telemedicine prescribing remains permitted to a limited extent. -
Implementation effort & bureaucracy
Doctors, pharmacies, and authorities must adapt their processes: documentation, proof of consultations, control of shipping routes, etc. The effort involved can be considerable. -
Import & Quality Control
The drastic expansion of imports in recent years demonstrates that logistics, controls, and quality standards will play a major role in the future. The new regulations must be practical, but also strict enough to ensure safety.
4. Outlook & scope for action
The draft law is not yet finalized—the parliamentary process must follow. But the direction is clear: Germany wants to strengthen and make its legal framework for medicinal cannabis more precise.
For patients, doctors, pharmacies and other stakeholders this means:
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Preparation & Adaptation : Medical facilities, pharmacies and logistics companies should already be examining how they could adapt their workflows.
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Dialogue & Participation : Statements, hearings and expert opinions will be important in the legislative process – this is an opportunity to influence the final design.
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Meeting information needs : Patients must be informed as effectively as possible about changes in prescriptions, pharmacy dispensing, and possible restrictions.
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Establish quality and control systems : Especially with imports and supply chains, it should be ensured that quality, traceability and safety are paramount.
5. Final thoughts
The draft bill amending the Medical Cannabis Act, passed by the Federal Cabinet, is a significant step toward more strictly regulated and controlled medical cannabis provision in Germany. The reform attempts to strike a balance between the important goal of patient care and the need to prevent abuse.
For Hizen, this change is relevant: It is worth closely monitoring how the legislative process develops and what practical effects it will have – both for those affected and for the health system more broadly.
