In Germany, legal cannabis is overtaking illegal cannabis

In Germany, the cannabis landscape is undergoing major transformations: since recent legislation authorizing recreational cannabis, its price has plummeted. Legal requirements are also gaining the upper hand over illegal cannabis.

Regulatory reforms: greater access to medical cannabis

In a continuing effort to liberalize cannabis regulations, the German Joint Federal Committee (G-BA) has announced significant changes to the medical cannabis prescription process. A follow-up to the legalization of recreational cannabis and the opening of cannabis clubs? Until now, only a statutory illness allowed access to these treatments, limiting their availability. Now, sixteen medical specialties can prescribe cannabis without the need for prior health insurance approval, considerably reducing red tape and improving the efficiency of care.

Authorized specialties

Doctors specializing in the following disciplines are now authorized to prescribe medical cannabis directly:

• General medicine
• Anesthesiology
• Gynecology and obstetrics
• Internal medicine (including various sub-specialties such as cardiology, endocrinology, etc.)
• Physical and rehabilitation medicine
• Psychiatry and psychotherapy

Additional qualifications

In addition, certain qualifications such as geriatrics, antitumor drug therapies, palliative care, sleep medicine and specialized pain treatment also allow doctors to prescribe medical cannabis without prior insurance approval.

Economic impact: medical cannabis more affordable than black-market cannabis

According to a Bloomwell report, medical cannabis is becoming not only more accessible but also cheaper than illegal cannabis. Analyses of prescriptions over more than a year show that the cheapest medical varieties are the most in demand, with prices starting at around five euros per gram, making medical cannabis in Germany among the most affordable in the world.

This lower cost helps to reduce the appeal of black-market purchases, where sanitary conditions and product quality often remain dubious. Medical cannabis, which is controlled and free from cutting substances, promises safer consumption for users.

Increasing demand and inventory management

In the face of increased demand, Bloomwell asserts that supplies remain stable, reassuring patients of the continued availability of medical cannabis. The THC content of the different varieties available remains an important criterion, averaging around 20%, enabling doctors to choose the products best suited to their patients' therapeutic needs.

See also: Cannabis, Laws, Lifestyle, News

Paul Royer

CBD Expert EditorExpertise : CBD brand reviewer & product tester

Since 2019, I've been sharing my passion and in-depth knowledge on Miister CBD. My journey began with a personal quest for quality CBD products, leading me to discover numerous European and international shops and brands. I am not only an avid reader and researcher passionate about science and the latest technologies, but I also hold a degree in digital marketing. My regular attendance at conferences in Switzerland and cannabis-related events speaks to my commitment and expertise. My enjoyment in writing about innovations in the CBD sector aims to inform and educate, relying on a solid foundation of knowledge and a reliable reputation.