The pushback by medical cannabis advocates in Germany against proposed policy changes is continuing, with the latest example coming in the form of a warning from the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) to federal states regarding the risks of the proposed draft amendments to the nation’s medical cannabis policies.

“The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) warned against the planned amendments to the Medicinal Cannabis Act at the 694th meeting of the Federal Council’s Health Committee on November 5, 2025. In a letter to the relevant authorities of the federal states, the BvCW made it clear that blanket bans on remote prescribing and mail-order sales would have significant disadvantages for patients, particularly in rural areas.” BvCW stated in its most recent newsletter (translated from German to English).

“The German Association of Medical Cannabis Users emphasized that medical cannabis has been proven to improve the quality of life for many chronically ill patients and is recognized in guidelines from various medical specialties. Digital consultations and dispensing through specialized pharmacies should therefore be maintained to ensure physicians retain control over treatment and prevent gaps in care.” the organization also wrote in its newsletter.

“Furthermore, the industry association pointed to risks under European law and recommended evidence-based regulation instead of restrictive bans. Targeted measures, such as monitoring conspicuous prescribing patterns and using medication safety tools, could prevent abuse without restricting digital healthcare services.” BvCW also stated.

Last month, Germany’s Federal Cabinet approved a measure that would amend the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG). The measure was drafted by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), and per a government press release, includes the following changes (translated from German to English):

• In the future, medical cannabis can only be prescribed after personal contact between the patient and the doctor, either in the doctor’s office or during a home visit. This requires consideration of the patient’s health status, individual illnesses, and other medications being used, which generally requires a careful medical history and physical examination. Furthermore, ongoing information about the risk of addiction and possible physical or psychological consequences of consumption, which can change depending on the extent and duration of consumption, is required.
• For follow-up prescriptions, a face-to-face consultation is required every four quarters, with the previous contact within that period being related to the prescription of cannabis for medical purposes. Under this condition, a prescription may also be made via telemedicine in the following three quarters.
• The mail-order option for medicinal cannabis is excluded, as there are comprehensive information and consultation obligations that must be provided during a personal consultation at the pharmacy. Pharmacies’ delivery services remain unaffected.

The Federal Cabinet’s approval does not automatically move the changes forward. Rather, the measure will now be considered by relevant committees in the Bundestag and requires a majority of votes in the legislative body before it can proceed. The SPD parliamentary group has expressed direct opposition to the changes.

“The German Association of Cannabis-Based Medicines proposed differentiated regulation of telemedicine platforms to ensure transparency regarding import volumes, statutory health insurance prescriptions, and scientific use. The association emphasized that a ban on mail-order sales would jeopardize the supply of “Made in Germany” medicinal cannabis and the legal certainty of numerous companies, and advocated for a dialogue on balanced telemedicine provision.” BvCW wrote in its newsletter about the amendments.