New leadership and a demanding agenda
Carsten Linnemann has led the Federal Ministry of Health since 29 July, succeeding Nina Warken. There has also been a change among the Parliamentary State Secretaries, with Christiane Schenderlein taking over from Tino Sorge. (Bundestag, 8.09; Ärzteblatt, 27.07)
The new team takes office at a time when fundamental questions about how healthcare is funded and organised need to be addressed. Alongside stabilising Germany’s statutory health and long-term care insurance systems, priorities include improving the way care is delivered and using digital tools and less bureaucracy to free up time for patients. The debate over medical cannabis therefore sits within a broader discussion in which costs, access to treatment and efficiency are receiving particular attention. (BMG, 22.09; KZV BW, 17.09)
Kick-off at the German Pharmacists’ Convention
One of Linnemann’s first major addresses to the healthcare sector came on 15 September at the German Pharmacists’ Convention in Munich. While pharmacy finances and the conditions affecting the supply of medicines were central themes, the minister also addressed medical cannabis directly, calling for tighter rules on prescribing and dispensing. (BMG, 15.09; ABDA, 16.09)
In his remarks, Linnemann reiterated the CDU/CSU’s established call for tighter rules, while the SPD continues to oppose the proposed restrictions (PZ, 24.09.). The differences between the coalition partners that were already evident during January’s discussions therefore remain unresolved. His speech alone does not mean that the coalition has reached an agreement or that a final parliamentary vote is imminent, as it remains up to the Bundestag to decide whether to pass the bill.
Changes already in force and the ongoing evaluation
One major change has already taken effect: the GKV Contribution Rate Stabilisation Act has ended statutory health insurance reimbursement for cannabis flower, changing the framework for medical cannabis treatment. (Cannabis Briefing, 27.08)
Meanwhile, the evaluation of cannabis legalisation agreed in the coalition agreement remains an important reference point for the wider political debate. The EKOCAN research project, which examines the effects of the Consumer Cannabis Act on public health, the protection of children and young people, and cannabis-related crime, has already published two interim reports, in September 2025 and April 2026. Although these reports provide initial findings, the comprehensive final report is not due until April 2028. It remains to be seen how the federal government will respond to the findings already available and those still to come, and whether it will pursue further changes to the law.
What to watch out for in the coming weeks
For patients, pharmacies and businesses, the priority is that any new rules support reliable access to treatment and work in practice. The coming weeks will show where medical cannabis sits within the broader healthcare reform agenda and which proposals can secure a parliamentary majority.
From the editorial team:
Do you have any questions, suggestions or ideas for topics for the Cannabis Briefing?
If so, please feel free to email us at briefing@cansativa.de.
This edition was written by:
Nicole Borges Steeb
External Affairs Manager
Cansativa Group