The article can also be read in German
Hendrik Strreeck, Germany’s Federal Drug Commissar, who spoke vaguely in June about partial legalisation, now takes a much more strict stance.
In recent comments to the press, Streeck signalled that he expects significant changes to current policy – and these may not be favourable for the industry, patients, or consumers. Streeck argued the Cannabis Act lacks coherence, and is not rigourous enough in its treatment of medical marijuana.
Calls for Reform
Streeck believes that the regulations on personal cultivation is unrealistic. He noted that skilled growers can produce up to one kilo of cannabis flowers with three plants. This, according to him, is excessive.
The interview was conducted with Deutsches Ärzteblatt (German Medical Journal)He welcomed Nina Warken’s (CDU), draft law tightening telemedicine laws. He claimed that online pharmacies are the source of cannabis for too many patients, some of whom use it recreationally. The 80% increase in medical marijuana sales, according to him, proves this.
Have Germany’s medical cannabis markets peaked? New laws, an exploding supply and unrest in the industry
The cannabis flower
Streeck has a particular criticism of the prescribing of cannabis flowers. It is mainly smoked and he warns of health hazards like cancer and lung damage.
He advocates using capsules and drops instead for epilepsy or pain. And he says cannabis flowers shouldn’t be prescribed anymore.
Waiting on data
Despite his criticism, Streeck pointed to the ongoing evaluation of the CanG, whose results will be published in two phases – in autumn and spring. The reports analyse the illegal market, road accidents, consumption patterns, and cannabis-induced psychosis cases.
READ MORE – The new federal government drug commissioner remains ambiguous on cannabis issues
SPD Pushes Back
Although the CDU is in favour of restrictions to telemedicine its coalition partner the Social Democratic Party does not agree. SPD’s Carmen Wegge is the SPD reporteur of Interior and Legal Affairs Committee. abgeordnetenwatch.de It is likely that the parties would ‘under no circumstances’ The proposed restrictions are acceptable in the current format.
In early August, Wegge emphasised that ensuring ‘reliable, local, and barrier-free care’ must remain a priority. She said that online access to cannabis medicine is essential for patients suffering from chronic illness or those living in rural areas.
She further confirmed the SPD’s support for a paradigm shift, including the pilot project with licensed retailers of cannabis and the, on the long term, complete legalisation, according to EU laws.
Steps to follow
Before being discussed in cabinet, any draft of a law by the Federal Ministry of Health will be subject to consultations within the Ministry. Then it would go through parliamentary debates and the Bundestag’s specialist committees. There are still several stages of negotiation before an official position can be reached. It has been made clear by the SPD that it is committed to protecting patient access to marijuana medicines, while also ensuring sufficient safeguards.
Although they support therapeutic freedom, industry players, such as companies and medical organizations, also oppose the restriction of cannabis flowers. In a future MEDCAN24 piece, their case will be further explored.
The article can also be read in German
Hendrik Steeck, the new German Federal Drug Commissioner (CDU), has taken a more aggressive stance since June, when he spoke only loosely of the partial legalisation cannabis.
In recent comments to the press, Streeck signalled that he expects significant changes to current policy – and these may not be favourable for the industry, patients, or consumers. He said that the Cannabis Act lacks coherence, and is too lenient in terms of medical usage.
Calls for Reform
Streeck believes that the regulations on personal cultivation is unrealistic. Using three cannabis plants to produce one kilogram of flowers is considered excessive by Streeck.
The interview was conducted with Deutsches Ärzteblatt (German Medical Journal)He welcomed Nina Warken’s (CDU), draft law tightening telemedicine laws. He claimed that online pharmacies are the source of cannabis for too many patients, some of whom use it recreationally. He argued that the rise of 80% in sales of medical cannabis is evidence for this.
Have Germany’s medical cannabis markets peaked? New laws, an exploding supply and unrest in the industry
The cannabis flower
Streeck has a particular criticism of the prescribing of cannabis flowers. It is typically smoked and he warns of health hazards like cancer and lung damage.
He advocates using capsules and drops instead for epilepsy or pain. And he says cannabis flowers shouldn’t be prescribed anymore.
Waiting for Data
Despite his criticism, Streeck pointed to the ongoing evaluation of the CanG, whose results will be published in two phases – in autumn and spring. The reports analyse the illegal market, road accidents, consumption patterns, and cannabis-induced psychosis cases.
Read More: New Federal Drugs Commissioner remains vague on Cannabis Issue
SPD Pushes Back
Although the CDU is in favour of restrictions to telemedicine its coalition partner the Social Democratic Party does not agree. SPD’s Carmen Wegge is the SPD reporteur of Interior and Legal Affairs Committee. abgeordnetenwatch.de It is likely that this party would ‘under no circumstances’ The proposed restrictions are acceptable in the current format.
In early August, Wegge emphasised that ensuring ‘reliable, local, and barrier-free care’ must remain a priority. She said that online access to cannabis medicine is essential for patients suffering from chronic illness or those living in rural areas.
She further confirmed the SPD’s support for a paradigm shift, including the pilot project with licensed retailers of cannabis and the full legalization, on the long term, according to EU law.
Steps to follow
Before being discussed in cabinet, any draft of a law by the Federal Ministry of Health will be subject to consultations within the Ministry. Then it would go on for discussion at the Bundestag. Before a position can be finalized, there are several negotiation stages. It has been made clear by the SPD that it is committed to protecting patient access to marijuana medicines, while also ensuring sufficient safeguards.
Companies and medical associations are among the industry stakeholders who oppose any restrictions on cannabis flowers. They argue for freedom of choice and therapeutic effectiveness. In a future MEDCAN24 piece, their case will be further explored.
Cannabis Law Resources for Poland
Discover essential legal information about the cultivation of cannabis, its sale, and regulations governing medical products in Poland. These guides will help you understand the legal requirements, such as certifications and permissions.
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Polish News Registration and Interests of Cannabis Businesses
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Permissions for Cannabis Sales in Poland
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Authorization for Importing or Manufacturing Medical Products
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Permission for Manufacturing or Importing Medical Products
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Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
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Registration of Medical Products in Poland