Email Campaign Launched Against Proposed Ban on Cannabis Mail Orders in Germany

The German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) is seeking to introduce stricter regulations concerning the online prescription and shipment of medical cannabis. A legislative proposal, recently approved by the cabinet, aims to amend the current Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG) by prohibiting the remote prescription and mail order distribution of cannabis flowers. The initiative is designed to address the risk of misuse associated with digital platforms and telemedicine services.

Critics of the proposed legislation, including the German Hemp Association (DHV), argue that these measures could negatively impact the supply and accessibility of medical cannabis for patients. The DHV has responded by organizing an email campaign targeting local members of parliament, urging them to reconsider the planned restrictions. The association contends that conventional pharmacies often lack the variety of medical cannabis products required by patients and typically offer them at higher prices compared to mail-order pharmacies. As a result, advocates believe that maintaining mail-order options is essential to ensure adequate patient care and to prevent individuals from turning to unregulated sources.

The BMG's primary concern centers on the ease with which individuals can currently obtain cannabis prescriptions through telemedicine platforms. Since the partial decriminalization of cannabis and its removal from the Narcotics Act, access has become more straightforward, sometimes requiring only the completion of a health questionnaire to receive a remote prescription. According to the BMG, this situation has contributed to a sharp increase in imported cannabis flowers, even though prescriptions covered by statutory health insurance have risen only modestly. The Ministry views this disparity as an indication that cannabis is being used beyond strictly medical contexts, potentially blurring the line between therapeutic and recreational consumption.

The new draft law seeks to address these challenges by mandating in-person consultations for both initial and follow-up cannabis prescriptions and by banning the shipment of medical cannabis through mail-order pharmacies. The BMG asserts that these steps are necessary to curb health and addiction risks stemming from overly lenient prescribing practices. The Ministry intends to implement national regulations to limit telemedicine prescriptions specifically for medical cannabis.

Despite the Ministry's stance, the proposal has prompted further review in the legislative process. The Federal Council's Health Committee has raised questions regarding the planned requirement for in-person medical consultations. The committee noted that, under current legislation, there is no independent mechanism to verify compliance with this provision in cases where violations are suspected. Therefore, the committee has recommended that the Federal Council request the Ministry to develop a legally robust solution to this issue.

The Federal Council is scheduled to deliberate on this recommendation in its upcoming session. Meanwhile, stakeholders on both sides of the debate continue to emphasize the potential implications of the proposed restrictions. Proponents of the ban highlight the need for greater oversight to prevent misuse and safeguard public health, while opponents stress the importance of preserving patient access to a broad range of medical cannabis products through mail-order services. The outcome of the legislative process will shape the future framework for medical cannabis distribution in Germany, with significant consequences for patients, healthcare providers, and the pharmaceutical sector.