Law change Approval for cannabis on prescription confirmed by the Federal Council

Bundesrat waves changes to the Narcotics Act
Doctors will be able to prescribe cannabis medicines by prescription to seriously ill patients in the future. As the Federal Government informs in a recent press release, the Federal Council on Friday approved the necessary changes to the Narcotics Act. The aim of the measure is to provide the seriously ill people in the best possible way, according to Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe. The costs are reimbursed by the statutory health insurance.

The Federal Council has given the green light for the release of cannabis regulations in exceptional cases. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

Regulation only possible under certain conditions
Cannabis medicines on prescription are released in this country for the seriously ill. This is currently communicated to the Federal Government. According to this, however, other therapeutic options would have to be exhausted or, according to a doctor's assessment, inappropriate for a prescription. In addition, an expected positive effect on the disease process or symptoms is a prerequisite for cannabis on prescription, the information.

Health insurance takes over the costs
The regulation is possible, for example, in pain patients as well as in multiple sclerosis or certain psychiatric disorders. Statutory health insured patients would get the cost of marijuana on sickness insurance from their health insurance, said the federal government.

Agency takes over the import
The import of cannabis medicines, according to the data of a state cannabis agency, which is located at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). According to their needs, they will also commission the cultivation of medicinal hemp, buy up the production and resell the products to drug manufacturers, wholesalers and pharmacies with appropriate approvals. This should ensure a sufficient supply of cannabis preparations in consistently good quality.

Private hemp cultivation is prohibited
The Bundestag had passed the amendments to the Narcotics Act necessary for the release on 19 January, after they had been launched in May 2016 by the Federal Government. Today, February 10, the amendments have now been approved by the Federal Council. The self-cultivation and use for intoxication remain prohibited. (No)