German Court Decision Could Transform Medical Cannabis Access for Patients
Germany's Federal Court of Justice (BGH) is reviewing a case that could reshape how medical cannabis is prescribed across the country. The dispute centres on whether telemedicine platforms can legally provide general information about cannabis treatments. Two major operators, Wellster and Bloomwell, are defending their business models in the proceedings.
The case hinges on the role of prescription requirements for medical cannabis. Observers note that the BGH has already signalled scepticism about the current restrictions. At stake is whether patients and doctors can access broader guidance on the over 1,000 available cannabis strains—information that package inserts do not legally cover.
Since April 2024, when medical cannabis was legalised, access has remained uneven. A Bloomwell survey revealed that 63% of general practitioners had prescribed it to fewer than six patients. Many patients now rely on telemedicine platforms like Bloomwell to find specialists, as traditional routes prove difficult. By August, half of Germany's cannabis patients still lived more than ten kilometres from the nearest pharmacy specialising in the drug.
Bloomwell CEO Dr. Julian Wichmann argues that his industry improves drug safety by filling information gaps. The company hopes the BGH will acknowledge cannabis's unique status in the pharmaceutical sector, where standard prescribing rules often fall short.
The court's decision will determine how easily patients can access medical cannabis information in the future. A ruling in favour of telemedicine platforms could expand prescribing options and reduce reliance on distant specialists. For now, many patients still face long journeys or limited local expertise to obtain treatment.
