Germany's medical cannabis law stalls over telemedicine and 'click-through' prescriptions
The German government's draft law on telemedicine and medical cannabis is facing strong opposition. SPD health policy spokesperson Serdar Yüksel warned that the current version will fail to secure a parliamentary majority. Both coalition partners agree on one point: so-called 'click-through' prescriptions must be stopped.
The debate comes as medical cannabis use in Germany has surged since 2017, with postal deliveries now dominating distribution. Over 128,000 patients received prescriptions last year, up from just 20,000 in 2017, according to federal data.
Yüksel stressed that telemedicine is now well established and cannot be banned outright. He argued that doctors must retain therapeutic freedom, as pain treatment varies widely between patients. At the same time, he made clear that digital prescriptions are non-negotiable, being required under EU law.
The SPD spokesperson promised stricter rules to ensure proper doctor-patient relationships. Prescriptions would need to be based on thorough medical histories, closing loopholes that allow quick online approvals. Currently, around 15,000 to 20,000 doctors issue cannabis prescriptions, with most deliveries handled by specialised pharmacies like Cannamedical and Bloomwell.
CDU health expert Dr. Thomas Pauls acknowledged telemedicine's future role but warned against 'click-through' prescriptions for minor complaints. He also called for clearer legal distinctions between recreational cannabis, medical cannabis, and pharmaceutical extracts. Meanwhile, the Association of Cannabis-Producing Companies (VCA) proposed pilot projects to allow over-the-counter sales of certain cannabis products in pharmacies.
Pauls expressed scepticism about such plans, insisting any changes must follow legally sound procedures. The rapid growth in medical cannabis use—with postal distribution accounting for over 90% of supplies—has intensified calls for tighter oversight.
The draft law now faces revisions before it can progress. Lawmakers must balance patient access with stricter controls on prescriptions. Any final version will need to address both telemedicine's role and the booming medical cannabis sector.
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