This month, the Health Committee of the German Bundestag held a hearing to discuss the coalition’s proposed amendments to the Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) Contribution Rate Stabilization Act. The measure was approved before the Bundestag’s summer recess. The German Hemp Association (DHV) issued a statement leading up to the recent Health Committee hearing.
“In our previous statement, we criticized the law primarily because it completely eliminated reimbursement for cannabis flowers by statutory health insurance. This was a severe blow to many patients and the first major setback since the Cannabis Act came into force and the beginning of the black-red coalition government.” DHV wrote in a news release (translated from German to English).
“The bigger problem for patients, however, is that, according to the German Statutory Health Insurance Act (GKV-BstabG), inhalable cannabis medications are no longer available to those covered by statutory health insurance. Many patients rely on the much faster onset of action compared to oral administration.” Georg Wurth, Chairman of the German Hemp Association, stated. “This primarily concerns cannabis flowers, which are no longer reimbursable but, due to their diverse varieties, also cover a wide therapeutic range. Furthermore, they are the most cost-effective product in terms of THC content.”
“Besides the flowers, there are other inhalable products, particularly so-called “rosin” or “fresh extracts,” which are sold pure and not in oily solutions. However, these are generally not reimbursed by statutory health insurance (GKV) on the grounds that the THC content is higher than the threshold for the definition of cannabis-based medicines. Health insurance companies are also hesitant regarding so-called vape pens. Legal clarification is also needed for these products to ensure that inhalable preparations are available when required, especially if the problematic exclusion of the flowers remains in place.” Mr. Wurth added.
Below is video footage of Mr. Wurth during the hearing:
Several other German medical cannabis advocacy organizations issued statements about the hearing.
“As the umbrella organization of 121 national associations of self-help groups for chronically ill and disabled people and their relatives, as well as 13 state working groups, the BAG SELBSTHILFE rejects in particular the amendments to reintroduce tenders in the area of assistive devices and cytostatics and still sees an urgent need for changes to the new regulations on cannabis supply.” the Federal Association of Self-Help Groups (BAG Selbsthilfe) wrote in a news release (translated from German to English).
“The BDCan maintains its criticism of the blanket exclusion of blossoms and its demand for transitional and hardship provisions. The scientific and technical foundations of the comparative risk assessment must be specifically defined and verifiable.” the German Association of Cannabis Patients (BDCan) wrote in its statement (translated from German to English).
“The BDCan calls for reliable rules for the supply of standardized, highly concentrated, and, where applicable, inhalable cannabis extracts – from production and dispensing to taxation and reimbursement adjustments. Upon adoption, the guidelines and practical information must be promptly aligned.” BDCan also wrote.
The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) also issued a statement, as did the Federal Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (BPI).
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