A little over a year ago, the Cannabis Act (KCanG) came into force — marking the start of a new era for cannabis culture in Germany. For the first time, cannabis was removed from the Narcotics Act, outdated stigmas were broken, and the plant finally received a modern legal framework. What was initially celebrated as social and political progress now shows a more complex picture: progress, yes – but with room for adjustment.
Because while the law aimed to create clear structures and draw a line between recreational and medical use, it also opened the door to some unintended overlaps. Especially in the field of telemedicine, a grey area emerged where medical cannabis suddenly became a trend product — complete with online questionnaires, social media campaigns, and delivery services that made access easier, but also blurred the lines. The result: a rapid increase in online prescriptions and a market that became increasingly difficult to separate between medical therapy and casual use. Now, the German government is taking action — introducing a Revision of the medical cannabis law designed to correct exactly these critical developments.
ONE YEAR CANNABIS LEGALISATION – A BALANCED REVIEW
One year after the partial legalization, it’s clear that the reform wasn’t a free pass — but rather a sensitive experiment with both light and shadow.
No significant increase in consumption
Contrary to many fears, the number of cannabis consumers in Germany has barely risen since legalization. That suggests that responsible consumption works — and that alarmist predictions were unfounded.
The black market remains
Despite legal cultivation associations, the black market continues to thrive.
The reason: many clubs still face bureaucratic hurdles, lack of space, and complex approval procedures — meaning they simply can’t meet existing demand.
A boom in online prescriptions
At the same time, prescriptions for medical cannabis through telemedicine platforms skyrocketed. What began as a relief for patients quickly evolved into a business model facing growing criticism: too little medical supervision, too much convenience, and far too much marketing.
THE CALL FOR CHANGE – MEDICAL CANNABIS LAW REVISED
On October 8, 2025, the Federal Cabinet approved an amendment to the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG) to address these developments. The goal: to secure responsible medical care — while closing the loopholes in digital prescription models.
What exactly will change
With the amendment, three key changes redefine how medical cannabis will be prescribed and distributed in Germany:
1. Personal doctor visits become mandatory
From now on, medical cannabis can only be prescribed after a personal consultation between patient and physician — either in practice or via home visit. This ensures that prescriptions are based on a proper medical assessment: including anamnesis, physical examination, and consideration of other medications or conditions. Doctors are also required to regularly inform patients about possible risks such as dependency or psychological side effects — not just once, but continuously during treatment.
2. Telemedicine remains allowed – but limited
Telemedicine isn’t disappearing, but it’s getting clear boundaries. Patients who have already been prescribed cannabis may continue to receive follow-up prescriptions digitally — but only if they have had at least one in-person appointment per year (once every four quarters). This ensures ongoing medical oversight without restricting access for chronically ill patients.
3. Cannabis mail delivery will be banned
A central change: the ban on mail-order sales of medical cannabis. In future, cannabis can only be dispensed through pharmacies — with mandatory in-person consultation. This measure is intended to prevent cannabis from being treated like an online shopping product. However, pharmacy home delivery services (the so-called Botendienst) remain allowed, ensuring access for immobile or seriously ill patients.
BETWEEN THERAPY AND TREND
For many patients, telemedicine was a helpful bridge — especially for those with chronic pain, ADHD, or other conditions where cannabis can offer real relief. But in recent months, a clear shift occurred: where there was once need, business took over. Advertising, discounts, and influencer campaigns blurred the line between therapy and trend Yet cannabis as medicine is not a lifestyle product. And being a patient is not something to advertise. While telemedicine companies built digital empires, cannabis cultivation associations continued to face strict regulations, administrative hurdles, and advertising bans. Ironically, these clubs embody what the law was meant to encourage: safe, transparent access — without profit motives, without marketing, and with education at the core.
PROGRESS NEEDS POLISH
A year after legalization, one thing is clear: the system is running — but it still needs refinement. The new delivery ban and the requirement for personal medical contact are important steps toward restoring credibility and responsibility in medical cannabis treatment. This Revision of the medical cannabis law isn’t a setback — it’s a necessary reality check.
For patients who need real medical care.
For doctors who take responsibility.
… and for an industry that must prove it stands for more than marketing.
…AND NOW WHAT?
Even though the Federal Cabinet has approved the amendment to the Medical Cannabis Act, the process isn’t over yet. The bill must still pass through the Bundestag and Bundesrat before it can officially take effect. Both chambers will now debate, possibly amend, and vote on the proposal. Until then, what remains clear is: Close the loopholes. Protect access. And move toward a cannabis reality where the line between recreational and medical use isn’t defined by an algorithmic checkout button.
KEEP IT GREEN. KEEP IT SAFE.
