Cannabis & New Faces in Health Policy: Who’s Leading the Charge?

Nina Warken – the New Federal Minister of Health 

Since May 2025, Nina Warken (CDU) is leading the Federal Ministry of Health, succeeding Karl Lauterbach. Warken has expressed reservations about general cannabis legalization, calling parts of the existing Cannabis Act a “dubious success.” Warken is relatively unknown outside specialist political circles, yet she now faces the large challenges of hospital reform, strengthening elder and long-term care, and stabilizing health insurance finances. It remains to be seen whether her fresh perspective will drive changes in cannabis regulation—from pharmacy sales to potential coffee shop models. 

Tino Sorge & Dr. Georg Kippels – the New Parliamentary State Secretaries 

Under Minister Warken, Tino Sorge and Dr. Georg Kippels serve as Parliamentary State Secretaries, supporting the health ministry on both organizational and policy matters. Sorge, formerly the health policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU, and Kippels, with extensive experience in medicine supply and pharmacy policy, represent continuity within the Union: both view the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes with skepticism, yet medical cannabis holds a firm place in the Union’s treatment of serious illnesses. Their key role is to coordinate technical questions between the parliament and the ministry. 

The New Health Committee – Who’s Making the Decisions? 

The Bundestag’s Health Committee has been constituted with 38 members, chaired by Dr. Tanja Machalet (SPD). With 13 members from the CDU/CSU, seven from the SPD, five from the Greens, and four from The Left, the committee brings together seasoned health policy veterans and fresh voices. This mix promises new energy while maintaining continuity in the parliamentary work on cannabis legislation. Feel free to reach out directly to your health policymakers in your constituency to bring your concerns into the political process! 

Looking Ahead: The CanG Evaluation as a Turning Point 

This autumn will see the launch of the open‑ended evaluation of the Cannabis Act. The EKOCAN research project is already in progress, monitoring the impact of the Cannabis Act on recreational use. Scientists are comprehensively analyzing the law’s effects on child and youth protection, public health, and cannabis‑related crime. The findings will form the basis for any necessary adjustments. At a recent parliamentary evening with the Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW), Carmen Wegge (SPD) confirmed that repealing the Cannabis Act is off the table. 

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@cansativa.de. If you are interested in revolutionising the cannabis industry with us, then stay tuned and follow our briefings!

We wish you a good read!

Best wishes from both of us,