Over 58,000 people have signed a Bundestag petition in Germany, calling on the nation’s Federal Ministry of Health to withdraw its planned changes to Germany’s medical cannabis laws and regulations. The petition was launched earlier this year, with its creators pointing out that the Ministry’s planned changes would jeopardize safe access to medicine for hundreds of thousands of suffering patients in Germany.

“We need a law that improves the supply of medical cannabis – not worsens it,” said David Henn (translated from German to English), CEO of Cannamedical Pharma, who initiated the petition in a press release when the initiative crossed the 57,000 signature threshold. “The reform will primarily affect people with limited mobility and those in rural areas who already have difficulty reaching specialized doctors. Our goal is practical, modern legislation that ensures quality, facilitates access, and further reduces the black market.”

“We urge the Bundestag to stop the planned changes to the medical cannabis law. In the future, prescriptions will only be possible after a personal doctor’s visit, and mail-order pharmacies will be prohibited. This jeopardizes the care of many patients—especially in rural areas—and leads to an unfair two-tier system. Please protect the right to accessible medical care for everyone.” the petition states (translated from German to English).

“In Germany, many seriously ill people rely on medical cannabis. For them, it is often the best or even the only effective treatment option, for example, for severe pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or chronic illnesses.” the petition also reads. As of the posting of this article, the petition had garnered 58,462 signatures.

“Instead of strengthening healthcare provision, the initiative argues that the reform threatens to create new obstacles and additional bureaucracy. The petition makes it clear that the proposal jeopardizes safe and modern medical care. It calls for the preservation of telemedicine as a proven form of care. Furthermore, the initiative advocates for barrier-free access – especially for elderly people, those with limited mobility, and those with chronic illnesses who depend on reliable therapy.” the Cannamedical Pharma press release stated.

“Our industry is ready to take responsibility – in the interest of patients and medical integrity,” Henn added. “Now we need a cannabis law that combines science, security of supply, and responsibility.”

“Companies like Finn Age Hänsel (CEO, Sanity Group) anticipated that the market could collapse by up to half. The sector, currently estimated at around one billion euros in revenue, fears significant burdens for people in rural areas and those with limited mobility. Philipp Schetter (CEO, Cantourage) also stated in the podcast “Chefgespräch” that the reform is a difficult discussion; while consultations in pharmacies are useful, they don’t necessarily have to be in person. Awaiting the Bundestag debate, the industry is hoping for changes from the SPD.” the German Cannabis Business Association stated in its recent newsletter (translated from German to English).