New regulations for
Cannabis prescription
For doctors prescribing medicinal cannabis in Germany, an understanding of the legal framework and clinical application is essential. Since the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes in 2017, it has been possible to prescribe cannabis flowers, extracts and pharmaceutical products containing cannabinoids for conditions where standard treatments are ineffective or cause significant side effects. Key steps include identifying appropriate indications, thoroughly documenting the patient’s condition and previous treatments, and obtaining insurance coverage.
Since 2017, doctors in Germany have been able to prescribe medicinal cannabis for certain medical conditions for which conventional treatments are ineffective. The current G-BA adjustments simplify the approval procedure, whereby only the first prescription or significant changes in therapy require approval in order to ensure rapid and needs-based patient care.
The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has adapted regulations for the prescription of medicinal cannabis for serious illnesses, which will apply from March 2023. Important points include:
Authorizations are only required for the first prescription or in the event of a significant change in therapy. Subsequent regulations do not require renewed approval.
As a rule, no approval is required for prescriptions as part of specialized outpatient palliative care (SAPV).
In the case of general outpatient palliative care (AAPV), there is an authorization requirement with a short review period of three days.
There are no restrictions regarding the specialty of the prescribing doctors.
The aim of these regulations is to enable a low-bureaucracy and needs-based supply.

Prescription guidelines
Doctors should follow specific guidelines when prescribing medicinal cannabis:
Indications
Medical cannabis can be considered for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, severe forms of epilepsy and nausea from chemotherapy. However, it is crucial that these conditions significantly affect the patient’s quality of life.
Documentation and approval
In order for treatment costs to be covered by statutory health insurance, doctors must thoroughly document the patient’s medical history, including previous treatments and their results, and submit an application for reimbursement to the patient’s health insurance company. The application should clearly state why medicinal cannabis is expected to significantly relieve symptoms or improve the patient’s condition.
Continuing education is critical, with many resources available for learning about the latest research and treatment strategies. Physicians are advised to consult the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and professional associations for current guidelines and support.
Essentially, successful prescribing of medicinal cannabis depends on a comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic potential, rigorous documentation and ongoing professional development.
Cannabis in Telemedicine
Telemedicine is revolutionizing access to healthcare services, including the prescription of medical cannabis in Germany. This article is aimed at physicians and is intended to provide information about the changing landscape of telemedicine in the context of medical cannabis, platforms that facilitate these services, and legal and practical considerations.
Telemedicine is revolutionizing access to medical cannabis care in Germany, made possible by platforms such as Telecan° and Telaleaf and supported by legal frameworks. This development offers doctors new possibilities, but also requires careful navigation in terms of data protection and patient-specific risks.
Key platforms for telemedicine cannabis prescriptions
Telecan°
Telecan° is a telemedicine platform designed specifically for medical cannabis that simplifies the process for patients to get advice and prescriptions from specialists.
Telaleaf Health Inc.
In partnership with Dr. Franjo Grotenhermen, Telaleaf provides virtual medical cannabis care across the country. This service emphasizes expert-led virtual consultations to ensure patients receive comprehensive cannabis-based treatment plans.

Legal framework and guidelines
German healthcare regulation supports telemedicine, with the German National Association of Statutory Health Insurance and the German Federal Joint Committee outlining specific guidelines. These include:
Video consultation hours
Almost all medical specialties can use video consultations, with exceptions such as laboratory doctors and radiologists.
Prescription via telemedicine
Previously, remote prescription of medication was restricted. However, regulations have been updated to facilitate the prescribing of medications, including medical cannabis, via telemedicine.
E-Prescriptions
The shift towards electronic prescriptions enhances the efficiency and accessibility of telemedicine services.
Risks and considerations
While telemedicine offers convenience and broader access to healthcare services, physicians must navigate potential risks, including ensuring accurate diagnoses without physical examinations and safeguarding patient data. Adherence to data protection laws and meticulous documentation of telemedicine interactions are essential to mitigate these risks.
Conclusion
Telemedicine is significantly enhancing patient access to medical cannabis care in Germany. However, as this field continues to evolve, staying informed about legal requirements and best practices is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure the safe and effective treatment of patients.
Working groups &
Professional societies
The ACM is particularly noteworthy as it is led by experts like Prof. Dr. Kirsten Müller-Vahl and actively engages in information dissemination and exchange between doctors and pharmacists.
These organizations emphasize that the misuse of medicinal cannabis is not a significant problem and advocate for the recognition of cannabis in medical treatment.
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) also provides important resources and guidelines for physicians prescribing medicinal cannabis. It informs about the legal requirements for prescribing cannabis products and clarifies that patients with serious illnesses are entitled to cannabis therapy under certain conditions. The KBV also explains the approval process by health insurance companies and offers advice on prescribing cannabis on narcotic prescriptions.
Additionally, physicians can also turn to information platforms like www.cannabis-aerzte.de, which offer detailed information on the prescription and use of medicinal cannabis for both doctors and patients.
- Working Group on Cannabis as Medicine (ACM): Provides information on the medical use of cannabis, current research findings, and support for professionals.
- Website: cannabis-med.org
- Association of Cannabis Supplying Pharmacies (VCA): Focuses on supporting pharmacies in the supply of medicinal cannabis and also offers information for physicians.
- Website: vca-deutschland.de
- German Pain Society (DGS): Informs about the use of cannabis-based medications for chronic pain.
- Website: schmerzgesellschaft.de/
- Self-Help Network Cannabis Medicine (SCM): A network dedicated to the exchange between patients, doctors, and pharmacists, promoting the use of cannabis in medicine.
- National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) – under “Prescribing Cannabis”: Provides official guidelines and information for physicians on prescribing medicinal cannabis.
- Website: kbv.de
- Cannabis Doctors: A platform that provides detailed information on the prescription and application of medicinal cannabis for both physicians and patients.
- Website: cannabis-aerzte.de
For physicians prescribing medical cannabis in Germany, professional organizations such as the ACM, VCA and SCM as well as the KBV offer valuable resources and guidelines. These networks and the information platform cannabis-aerzte.de support doctors with up-to-date information, legal requirements and promote the exchange of information on the appropriate use of cannabis in therapy.

Cannabis working group
als Medizin e.V. (ACM):
Medical use of cannabis, current research results and support for professionals.
Association of cannabis suppliers
Apotheken e.V. (VCA):
The support of pharmacies in the supply of medical cannabis and also provides information for doctors.
Cannabis self-help network
Medicine (SCM):
exchange between patients, doctors and pharmacists and promotes the use of cannabis in medicine.
National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) - "Prescribing cannabis" section
Provides official guidelines and information for doctors on prescribing medicinal cannabis.
Cannabis doctors
A platform that provides both doctors and patients with detailed information on the prescription and use of medicinal cannabis.
These websites are central points of contact for doctors in Germany who deal with the prescription of medical cannabis and offer extensive resources, research results, legal information and opportunities for professional exchange.