|
Further news
Recreational of cannabis
Berlin: Second cannabis cultivation association approved
2025-01-31 | The State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) has officially approved a Berlin cannabis cultivation association for the first time, reports tagesschau. The association in the Treptow-Köpenick district is now allowed to grow cannabis collectively and legally. The Green Leaf Society had previously been granted a permit by the district responsible. The Lageso is currently processing 18 further applications.
Traffic Court Conference in Goslar: Recommendations on cannabis in road traffic
2025-01-31 | At the 63rd Traffic Court Conference in Goslar, experts discussed the effects of cannabis legalization on road traffic. Working Group I recommended a zero-tolerance regulation for mixed consumption of THC and alcohol in the Road Traffic Act, as even small amounts of alcohol increase the effects of cannabis and increase the risk of accidents.
In addition, the working group called for the mixed use of cannabis and alcohol to be included in the Driving License Ordinance and for the assessment guidelines on cannabis to be adapted to current scientific standards. Cannabis abuse should be assumed for first-time offenders if there are certain additional facts that indicate a lack of separation between consumption and driving. These criteria should be defined by law.
The lack of reliability of current THC rapid tests during traffic checks was also criticized. The federal government should press ahead with the development of more precise pre-tests. The planned THC sobriety test for the transportation of dangerous goods was also welcomed. In addition, education about the risks of cannabis use for road safety must be significantly intensified in order to pursue the goal of “Vision Zero”. Here are a few professional impressions of the Traffic Court Conference from Georg Wurth (DHV) on X / DHV-News / Speech; Konstantin Grubwinkler (cannabis lawyer) on X.
BGH: EncroChat data remains usable
2025-01-31 | The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has ruled that EncroChat data may continue to be used in criminal proceedings for drug offenses, even if the legal assessment of the offense has changed due to the Cannabis Act, LTO reports. The legal situation at the time of the data request is decisive. The BGH thus overturned a ruling by the Berlin Regional Court, which had acquitted a defendant for cannabis trafficking because the change in the law would have excluded the use of the data. The decision provides final clarity on the use of EncroChat data.
Offenbach rejects application for cannabis model project
2025-01-31 | Offenbach city councillor Tobias Dondelinger (The Greens) has spoken out against the Left Party’s motion calling for a review of cost-neutral cannabis model projects. The Greens from Offenbach stated this in a press release. Although he is still a supporter of legalization, the criminalization of consumption has already been lifted as a result of recent changes to the law. In addition, the future of such model projects at federal and state level is uncertain. In view of limited resources, he did not consider the initiative to be expedient. The coalition therefore rejected the motion.
No increase in emergency admissions following the opening of cannabis shops
2025-01-30 | Canadian researchers have conducted a longitudinal study to investigate whether the opening of licensed cannabis retailers correlates with an increase in cannabis-related emergency admissions. Analysis of data from 278 communities in Ontario found no evidence of such an increase. The study, published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, suggests that retail regulation has no negative impact on public health.
NRW: Werl pharmacist offers active ingredient tests for amateur cannabis growers
2025-01-27 | Pharmacist Ulf Schmidt enables hobby cannabis growers to test the THC and CBD content of their plants. The aim is to educate consumers and provide them with sound information on the effects of their flowers, reports the soester-anzeiger. The Walburga pharmacy uses a near-infrared spectrometer for this purpose, which is also used by authorities such as the Federal Criminal Police Office.
Schmidt emphasizes that many consumers do not know how strong their home-grown cannabis is. Especially after legalization, the need for information has increased. Around 100 customers visit the pharmacy every day with questions about cannabis, including patients who use cannabis for medical reasons. The pharmacist sees education as an important contribution to safe use.
Medical cannabis
Cannabis pharmacists against return to BtM obligation
2025-01-29 | Pharmacist Florian Sedlmeier warns against the reclassification of medicinal cannabis as a narcotic (BtM). According to apotheke-adhoc, such a step would increase the bureaucratic burden and make it more difficult to supply patients quickly. The concern expressed by SPD Health Minister Clemens Hoch that medical cannabis could be ordered too easily online is understandable, but he emphasizes that pharmacies carefully check prescriptions and licenses.
A reclassification as a BtM would not curb the black market, but would rather limit stock-keeping and the available supply in pharmacies. Pharmacies currently benefit from the fact that medicinal cannabis no longer has to be stored in vaults and can be prescribed more easily using an e-prescription or sample 16 form. Instead of a return to the BtM obligation, Sedlmeier proposes greater control of medical prescriptions, for example through a reporting obligation for doctors and possible sanctions for misuse.
DoktorABC launches petition to preserve the legalization of medical cannabis
2025-01-29 | The telemedicine provider DoktorABC has launched an online petition to secure the legalization of medical cannabis in Germany and ensure access for affected patients in the future, the press portal reports. The background to this is the potential threat to legalization posed by a change of government in February, which could leave thousands of patients without urgently needed treatment. The petition calls for safe access to medical cannabis, quality and regulation through strict controls and consumer protection and protection from the black market, which could be strengthened by a withdrawal of legalization, and is aimed at politicians to prioritize the needs of patients and ensure the progress of medical therapies.
Inconsistent cost coverage of CBD products by health insurance companies
2025-01-29 | The reimbursement of cannabidiol (CBD) as a medicine remains difficult and inconsistent in Germany. While CBD is freely available for sale as a dietary supplement, medical CBD products are subject to strict regulations. Medicines such as Epidyolex are approved, but health insurance companies only cover the costs under certain conditions.
As reported by Versicherungsbote, statutory health insurance companies usually only cover the costs if prescribed by a doctor, if other therapies have been exhausted and a medical benefit has been proven. Private insurance companies are sometimes more flexible, but the high costs and unclear long-term effects are slowing down broader reimbursement.
The inconsistent regulations are causing uncertainty among patients and doctors. While some insurance companies would pay for CBD in exceptional cases, others would systematically reject applications. Patients often have to provide extensive evidence in order to get their costs covered.
Industrial hemp
Five hackathons for the bioeconomy
2025-01-27 | The international BioBoosters program is hosting five new hackathons to find innovative solutions to bioeconomic challenges. Companies and innovators can apply to have their ideas funded, reports Paperprovince.
One focus is on the BioBoosters Nordic Hemp Hackathon in Estonia, which deals with new ways of utilizing hemp fibres, hemp hurds and hemp dust from deforestation. We are looking for creative applications beyond known uses such as hemp lime or textiles.
The application deadline for the hemp hackathon is February 14, and the event will take place on March 13 and 14 in Estonia. Other hackathons will focus on the sustainable use of apple pomace and other bioeconomic topics in various countries.
Interdisciplinary
CDU calls for the cannabis law to be withdrawn
2025-02-03 | At its party conference in Berlin, the CDU has adopted an “Immediate Program for Prosperity and Security”. Part of the program is the withdrawal of the cannabis law of the government coalition. The immediate action program states: “We are abolishing the government coalition’s cannabis law. Our children and young people must be protected from drug use and addiction.” CDU Secretary General Carsten Linnemann emphasized that this should curb the black market and improve the protection of children and young people from drug use. The party is committed to a more restrictive drug policy and wants to reverse legalization. |
