Basic knowledge about medical cannabis, online prescription options, the new law, available strains and the impact on driving licenses: this is exactly what patients, doctors and pharmacies in Germany are looking for. The Medical Cannabis Act(MedCanG) has been in force since April 2024. Since then, cannabis as a medicinal product is no longer a narcotic, but a prescription-only medicine - with consequences for prescriptions, therapy, pharmacies and everyday life.
In this article you will find all the relevant topics relating to medicinal cannabis: from cultivation and ingredients to quality control, prescribing, advice, travel and research.
Cultivation
The cultivation of medicinal cannabis is subject to strict rules. No cultivation takes place in Germany; only cannabis that comes from strictly controlled production may be offered here. In other countries, only licensed producers are allowed to cultivate - usually in indoor facilities or greenhouses, rarely if ever outdoors. Modern systems such as hydroponics and aeroponics ensure controlled conditions, while sustainable outdoor methods reduce energy requirements.
Regulation since MedCanG: Companies require a state license and must provide evidence of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practice). Each batch is traceable from the place of cultivation to the point of dispensing to patients.
Import and export: The import and export of cannabis medicinal products in Germany requires a license from the Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices. (BfArM) is required. This ensures legal and safe trade.
Areas of application of medicinal cannabis
Cannabis for medical purposes is usually used when standard therapies are not sufficient. Important medical applications are1:
- Chronic pain (e.g. neuropathic complaints, back pain)
- Spasticity in multiple sclerosis
- CINV (nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy)
- Epilepsy (certain forms)
- Tourette's
- Loss of appetite in cancer or HIV patients
- Mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Endometriosis (new research results)
Ingredients and effect profiles of cannabis
The cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids. The most important of these are
- THC - has a mood-enhancing, pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing and antiemetic effect and is psychoactive.
- CBD - has an anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Other substances - CBG, THCV and various terpenes (e.g. myrcene, limonene) influence the effect profile.
Cannabis flowers and extracts differ in their onset of action:
- Inhaled flowers (via vaporizer) take effect within minutes.
- Extracts or oils have a slower but longer-lasting effect.
Forms and preparations: In addition to flowers and extracts, there are capsules, oils, ready-to-use medicines and synthetic cannabinoids.
Side effects: These are usually mild symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness, dry mouth and increased appetite. Cardiovascular problems, anxiety or psychotic episodes occur less frequently. Interactions with other medicines are also important.
Sustainability and supply
Many manufacturers pay attention to energy-efficient lighting, closed water cycles and environmentally friendly packaging. In large cities, there are already projects that publish these aspects transparently in their news and current affairs sections.
Sustainability includes not only cultivation, but also packaging, transportation and shipping. Resource-conserving logistics reduce CO₂ emissions. Some suppliers regularly inform patients about environmentally friendly innovations in a newsletter.
The local pharmacy also contributes: Digital live stock queries can reduce unnecessary orders and transportation. Patients benefit because they can fill their prescriptions directly, without long journeys or waiting times.
Patient stories
Real testimonials show the diversity:
- Pain patients report less need for opioids.
- MS patients experience reduced spasticity and improved mobility.
- People with PTBS report better sleep and fewer flashbacks.
Not everyone benefits immediately - some experience side effects or no effect at first. It is important that patients stay in close contact with their doctor, report side effects and seek medical advice. Pharmacies also offer service and advice, e.g. on cannabis flowers, dosage forms and interactions. With a little patience, however, it is usually possible to find the right individual dosage so that treatment with medicinal cannabis can work optimally.
Post-harvest processes for medicinal cannabis
Harvesting is followed by drying, curing, trimming, packaging and transportation. These steps determine quality and shelf life. The identity, content and purity are then tested in the pharmaceutical facility. Cannabis flowers are often processed into formulations that are individually tailored to patients. This ensures that patients receive a safe, standardized product.
Press and partnership topics
The debate surrounding medicinal cannabis in Germany is dynamic. Current topics in the media include supply bottlenecks, new study results and collaborations. Research networks, universities and pharmacists' associations work together with manufacturers. Many of these institutions publish newsletters to inform patients and professionals about ongoing projects and clinical studies.
Interesting for specialists: New jobs and career opportunities are emerging in this area - from cultivation to analytics to medical consulting.
Quality control and analytics
Cannabis as a medicinal product undergoes extensive testing:
- Active ingredient content (THC, CBD, terpenes)
- Contamination (pesticides, heavy metals, molds)
- Durability and stability
Patients and doctors can report adverse effects directly to the BfArM. These reports are important for pharmacovigilance and help to make treatment safer. Here too, pharmacies provide support with advice and practical services.
Storage: Medicinal cannabis must be kept safe, dry and protected from light - ideally in locked areas to prevent unauthorized access.
Therapy and prescription
Since April 2024, medical cannabis is a medicinal product and is prescribed on a normal prescription - no more BtM form. All doctors may prescribe, provided there are medical reasons.
Prescription and redemption
You can fill your prescription at any pharmacy in Germany. Many pharmacies also offer live stock checks so that you know whether the cannabis flowers or extracts you want are in stock before you visit. If not, legally compliant shipping will help.
Assumption of costs
The health insurance companies only cover the costs if the patient has a serious, life-threatening or comparably serious illness and other therapies have not been sufficiently successful. As a rule, an application is required. If the insurance company rejects your application, you can lodge an objection - ideally with the support of the doctor treating you. For self-pay patients, it is often easier to obtain a private prescription.
Application and advice
- "Start low, go slow": Slowly increasing the dose prevents side effects.
- Inhalation with cannabis flowers via vaporizers is gentler than smoking, as no combustion products are produced.
- Ingestion of extracts, oils, capsules or finished medicinal products.
- Medical advice explains the effects, risks and interactions with other medicines.
Everyday life: Driving and work
With a doctor's prescription, you can drive as long as you are fit to drive. It helps to have a prescription and doctor's certificate with you in case of police checks. A medical-psychological examination (MPU) is not automatically required. Open contact with the employer is advisable in the workplace, especially if drug tests are to be carried out. Further details and regulations can be found on the official website of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
Telemedicine and online prescriptions
Online consultations can facilitate access to medical cannabis, but require a thorough medical history and medical examination. Regular follow-up care should be guaranteed - even if many telemedicine providers (so-called online clinics) no longer offer consultation hours or detailed examinations. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the reputability of the provider. Online clinics often work together with local pharmacies and provide reliable care, including by mail order.
Topics on science and studies
Research into medicinal cannabis is growing rapidly:
- Clinical studies test efficacy, safety and dosage.
- Real-world data supplements findings from everyday life.
- Basic research investigates cannabinoids, receptors and mechanisms.
Even if not all questions have yet been answered, the current data show that cannabis has a real therapeutic benefit in certain indications.
Conclusion
Medical cannabis is now an integral part of medical therapy. The MedCanG has made access easier, but medical examination remains essential. From dispensing in pharmacies to quality control and the reporting of side effects - every stage of supply is regulated and ensures you receive a high-quality, standardized product.
If you want to use cannabis for medicinal purposes, stay in close contact with your local doctor or your contact person at the online clinic, take advantage of advice at the pharmacy, find out about the latest studies and subscribe to a reputable newsletter to stay up to date.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about medicinal cannabis
You can redeem your prescription at any pharmacy. With live stock queries, you can easily find out where your preparation is available. Legally compliant shipping is also possible if required.
Medicinal cannabis is grown under strict conditions, tested and dispensed via pharmacies. Recreational cannabis does not have these quality controls.
Yes, as long as you are accompanied by a doctor and remain fit to drive. It helps to have the prescription with you during checks. An MPU is not usually required if you have received proper medical treatment.
Within the EU, you are allowed to carry medical cannabis for up to 30 days if you have a medical Schengen certificate with you. Stricter regulations often apply to other countries.
The pharmacy checks every preparation and advises you on use, dosage and possible interactions. It is your central contact for questions about the medicine.
Subscribe to a newsletter from professional associations or authorities, or check the "News" section on official websites.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The health effects of
cannabis and cannabinoids: the current state of evidence and recommendations for research.
MacCallum, C. A., & Russo, E. B. (2018). Practical considerations in medical cannabis
administration and dosing. European journal of internal medicine, 49, 12-19. ︎