This Friday, the Federal Council approved the federal government’s intended change to the Medical Cannabis Act. Lower Saxony, together with the other federal states, had already called for a change in the law regarding access to medical cannabis in the summer. Health Minister Philippi welcomes the changes that have now been initiated and which still have to be decided by the Bundestag:
„It is expressly to be welcomed that the prescription of cannabis will again be linked to an initial personal medical consultation. Unfortunately, with partial legalization, it has become far too easy to get cannabis from the pharmacy via e-prescription after an online consultation or to order it straight away from online shops. This often has nothing to do with a medically indicated measure, this is about drinking pleasure. It cannot have been the purpose of cannabis legalization to make half-witted online operators rich and at the same time stimulate unregulated cannabis consumption. Initial medical contact is, in my view, indispensable, so it is a good thing that this legal loophole is now being filled. It is long overdue that ‚smoking weed with a prescription‘ is no longer possible with just one click of the mouse.
The consumption figures of the past few months should have made it clear to all political leaders that consuming cannabis is not harmless leisure fun. Smoking weed can not only be addictive, but can also cause serious health problems such as psychosis. In addition to this legal clarification, there is also a need for increased prevention and education –especially of young people“
