The German Cannabis Business Association Newsletter reports..
2025-02-04 | At the New Year’s reception of the North Rhine Chamber of Pharmacists, representatives of the medical profession and pharmacists expressed their criticism of telemedicine providers through which medical cannabis prescriptions can be obtained without sufficient control. Chamber President Dr. Armin Hoffmann and the President of the North Rhine Medical Association, Dr. Sven Dreyer, emphasized the need for greater cooperation between the two professional groups in order to improve patient care. In addition to digitalization and new forms of therapy, they also see the regulation of telemedicine platforms as a central challenge, according to a press release. As apotheke-adhoc reports, they are calling for better traceability of prescriptions and stricter regulation. It is particularly problematic that providers are often located abroad and that it is hardly possible to check them under professional law. The partial legalization of cannabis has led to a questionable online market and increased criminal activity. Dreyer spoke of “investor-driven profit organizations” that did not fit into the solidarity-based healthcare system and referred to abuses in the medical cannabis sector. Partial legalization has created an uncontrolled market that encourages criminal activities. The chambers believe that Health Minister Lauterbach has a responsibility to make improvements here.
Telemedicine prescriptions: What pharmacists need to look out for
2025-02-04 | The Hessian Pharmacists’ Association (HAV) provides information on the legal pitfalls of telemedicine prescriptions. In principle, these are considered equivalent to conventional prescriptions, provided they meet the requirements of the German Medicines Prescription Ordinance, reports the Pharmazeutische Zeitung.
Prescriptions from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland are valid in Germany, while those from other countries are not recognized. It is also important to note that electronic prescriptions must have a qualified signature. Paper prescriptions must be presented in the original. The HAV recommends that pharmacies check digital signatures carefully.
