German Cannabis Business Association Newsletter
Pharmacist demands ultimatum and clarity on reimbursement for cannabis extracts
2026-08-17 | Pharmacist Felix Maertin has called on the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds and the KBV to provide immediate clarification regarding the reimbursement of highly concentrated cannabis extracts, reports apotheke-adhoc. Following the end of reimbursement for cannabis flowers, extracts have become an alternative for seriously ill patients, but conflicting interpretations by health insurers and the risk of reimbursement clawbacks have created uncertainty among pharmacies and medical practices. In particular, the legal basis for a reportedly applicable 25 percent THC limit remains unclear. Maertin gave the associations 14 days to answer 15 specific questions in order to establish legal certainty for quality-assured patient care.
Pharmacist calls for legal action against the removal of reimbursement for cannabis flowers
2026-08-11 | Since 30 July 2026, statutory health insurance patients have no longer been entitled to reimbursement for cannabis flowers following the amendment of Section 31(6) of the German Social Code Book V under the GKV Contribution Rate Stabilisation Act, reports apotheke-adhoc. According to Florian Sedlmeier, owner of St. Martins Pharmacy in Ampfing, the exclusion from reimbursement particularly affects the weakest and most seriously ill patients. Only standardised cannabis extracts and medicines containing dronabinol or nabilone remain eligible for reimbursement.
Sedlmeier criticised the blanket exclusion on cost grounds as failing to account for individual medical needs and contradicting the principle of solidarity, as financially disadvantaged patients could lose access to their most effective treatment. He therefore recommended that affected patients pursue legal remedies. Following an objection and proceedings before the social courts, suitable cases should be examined to determine whether a constitutional complaint could be considered in order to have the restriction reviewed for compatibility with fundamental rights and the state’s duties of protection.
