ICBC reports
A recently published draft amendment from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) that would dramatically overhaul the nation’s medical cannabis program was originally scheduled to be part of a Federal Cabinet meeting earlier this month, but was reportedly withdrawn. That has, in turn, created speculation as to why it was withdrawn from the meeting’s agenda.
“With the entry into force of the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG) at the beginning of April 2024, the legislature has reorganized the previous legal situation: Medical cannabis has been enshrined in a separate set of rules beyond the Narcotics Act, thus placing its medical use on a par with other prescription drugs.” reported LTO in its local coverage.
“However, the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) already intends to amend the MedCanG and has submitted a preliminary draft bill for this purpose. Until a few days ago, this bill was also on the draft agenda for the Federal Cabinet meeting on September 10, but was subsequently withdrawn. Whether it will be revised again remains unclear.” the outlet also reported.
The draft amendment has received considerable pushback from Germany’s medical cannabis community. As drafted, the measure would:
- Require mandatory in-person doctor consultations
- Ban mail-order medical cannabis dispensing
- Implement stricter rules for medical cannabis prescriptions
“The SPD emphasized that barrier-free, local care for patients must be guaranteed…” stated the German Cannabis Business Association in its recent newsletter (translated from German to English). “Online prescriptions should not be permitted without restrictions, but at the same time, a balanced regulation is necessary. Whether and in what form the Federal Ministry of Health will refine the draft remains open. Negotiations on changes to the Medical Cannabis Act are continuing within the coalition, reports LTO reporter Hasso Suliak on X.”
Read the full report
Harmful German Medical Cannabis Amendment Withdrawn From Agenda
Also as reported by the German Cannabis Industry Assoc’s Newsletter
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