Court stops telemedicine: No cannabis prescriptions without doctor contact!

Court stops telemedicine: No cannabis prescriptions without doctor contact!

There are currently exciting developments in the Cologne cannabis scene that affect both medical and legal aspects. The controversial topic of telemedicine is particularly in focus. Current events show that cannabis prescribing through telemedicine is on the brink. The Munich Regional Court has decided that such prescriptions are inadmissible because they violate the ban on advertising for remote treatments in accordance with Section 9 of the Medicines Advertising Act (HWG). This means that personal contact between doctor and patient remains legally required when prescribing addictive substances such as cannabis, which represents a change to previous practice for many of those affected. [Hemp Association] reports that there will be fewer drug deaths in 2024, which is seen as a sign of positive development.

An increase in online prescriptions for medical cannabis has been observed since spring 2024. Many patients often receive their cannabis flowers through online questionnaires without real contact with a doctor. At this point there is always criticism: a lack of medical advice and legal gray areas could lead to misuse of medical care. An investigation by [Tom Hemps] showed that these developments are unsettling and lack clear regulations.

New laws and planned changes

However, the situation could soon change. On July 14, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) presented a draft amendment to the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG). This project aims to create a transparent legal framework and close the existing holes in the system. The key points of the draft include the ban on mail order sales of cannabis flowers to end consumers and the obligation to only prescribe cannabis flowers after personal contact with a doctor. Anyone who violates these rules must expect criminal consequences.

The situation is complex because while some countries in Europe are taking steps towards decriminalization, Germany is lagging behind. The Czech Republic is close to decriminalizing cannabis, which will come into force on January 1, 2026. Here, adults are allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants and carry up to 25 grams in public. Even psilocybin is being legalized for medical purposes. Approaches like those being pursued in the Czech Republic show a dynamic European landscape between regulation and decriminalization.

The role of growing associations and rest areas

Grower associations could hold the key to improving the situation. Unfortunately, these organizations face high bureaucratic and financial hurdles, making them difficult to establish and operate. It is currently estimated that around 90% of approved cultivation associations nationwide are understaffed. This development shows that there is still a lot of untapped potential here. It remains to be hoped that the legal changes will also make it easier to grow and access legal cannabis.

Locally, the Cologne area offers numerous opportunities for exchange and information. For example, an information table for the DHV local group in Rhine-Neckar is planned for July 19, 2025, accompanied by a memorial day for deceased drug users on July 21, 2025 in Halle (Saale). The hemp parade in Berlin on August 9, 2025, under the motto “For a future without repression!” also represents an important platform for supporting cannabis rights. These events not only promote awareness but also networking among those interested.

Overall, the cannabis landscape in Germany is changing. Legal and social changes bring both challenges and opportunities. So let's stay tuned to see how things develop and what progress we can expect in the future.