Cannabis on Prescription – Medical Cannabis in Germany

Cannabis as medicine has been discussed and researched for many years. While the positive effects of cannabis are relatively well documented, the question of side effects and long-term consequences that cannabis consumption can bring remains.

Since 2017, it has been possible in Germany to obtain medical cannabis on prescription, for example, to relieve pain. In practice, however, it turns out that access is often complicated, the hurdles are high, and many patients have difficulty finding a doctor who prescribes cannabis. At the same time, medical cannabis also brings many side effects – including addiction, intoxication, and even serious psychological risks such as psychoses.

If access to medical cannabis is so problematic and its use is associated with such risks - could CBD be an alternative? What are the differences in composition and effect? We clarify.

Generally, medical cannabis can be prescribed in Germany if

• a severe illness is present,

• other therapies have not helped or not sufficiently,

• and the doctor believes that cannabis could provide a therapeutic benefit.

So, the hurdles are relatively high. Moreover, there is no precisely defined list of diseases for which cannabis can be prescribed. It is often up to the doctor's discretion whether the use of cannabis could be promising.

Although patients with chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or severe neurological diseases are now quite frequently treated with cannabis, and even cancer patients or people with severe spasticity can benefit from cannabis as a medication, not all doctors are willing to go this route with their patients.

Although the legal basis is secure, many patients have difficulty finding medical support for cannabis therapy. This can be attributed to several factors:

1. Ignorance and Skepticism: Many doctors have little experience with medical cannabis and feel insecure about prescribing it.

2. Bureaucratic Hurdles: To get cost coverage from health insurance, doctors have to submit extensive applications. In many cases, health insurance companies reject the application.

3. Prejudices against Cannabis: Some medical professionals still see cannabis as a drug and not as a serious therapy option.

4. Alternative Medications Preferred: Many doctors prefer to prescribe conventional medications that are easier to obtain and with which they are more familiar.

5. Supply not everywhere guaranteed: Not all pharmacies carry medical cannabis. Even if the doctor has prescribed it, it is not easy for everyone to get. Providers like blitzbluete.de can help here.

A widespread misconception is that medical cannabis is safer or more harmless than the cannabis that a neighbor grows in their garden or occasionally brings from Holland. This is a fallacy. Even if medical cannabis is produced under more controlled conditions than street weed: The risks are fundamentally comparable.

• Intoxication: Medical cannabis also contains THC and leads to typical cannabis effects such as euphoria, relaxation, or increased appetite ("munchies"). These are by no means pleasant for everyone.

• Concentration and Memory Problems: Especially with prolonged use, cannabis can impair cognitive abilities. This also applies to cannabis medicines!

• Potential Addiction: Even if cannabis is not as addictive as some other substances, it can lead to psychological and physical dependence.

• Psychological Problems: In some cases, cannabis can increase anxiety, trigger paranoia, or even promote psychoses, especially in people with a corresponding genetic predisposition.

Last but not least, the use of medical cannabis can lead to social conflicts. Even if a doctor's prescription is available, users of medical cannabis are often confronted with prejudices and negative judgments from their environment and are often simply labeled as "stoners." At least the acquisition of medical cannabis has become significantly easier in the meantime. The corresponding products can now be easily ordered online with a prescription.

Alternatives can be synthetic THC products like dronabinol or nabilon. Unlike cannabis flowers or full-spectrum extracts, these products contain only THC, while medical cannabis contains a combination of different cannabinoids (e.g., THC and CBD). The effect of the extracts is generally higher, but often the side effects are too. Many patients therefore prefer a more natural variant (e.g., medical cannabis or full-spectrum CBD 10% oil).

For many people who hope for the positive effects of cannabis without the associated risks and difficulties, CBD (cannabidiol) can be a good alternative. CBD is a cannabinoid that also comes from the hemp plant but has no intoxicating effect.

Overall, the effect of CBD is gentler than that of medical cannabis. This is mainly because CBD products in Germany may have a maximum THC content of 0.3%. Since THC is responsible for the strong effects of cannabis, this ensures that CBD does not cause intoxication and generally has a less intense effect.

CBD offers a range of positive medical effects. It can relieve pain and is therefore often used by people with chronic conditions such as arthritis or migraines. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in the body, which is particularly interesting for autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease.

It also has an anxiolytic and relaxing effect, which makes it particularly valuable for those suffering from stress or anxiety. It is also used for sleep problems, as it helps with relaxation and facilitates falling asleep.

Studies (1) also suggest that CBD has neuroprotective properties and may even positively influence the course of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. CBD also shows promising results in certain forms of epilepsy. (2)

Unlike medical cannabis, whose use is often associated with many prejudices, CBD can be easily integrated into everyday life. It can be taken discreetly, e.g. as a spray and does not cause any intoxicating effects. This makes it a sensible option for all those who want to incorporate it into their normal (work) routine. CBD can also be taken easily when traveling, without having to light up a conspicuous joint or use a vaporizer.

In addition to classic dosage forms such as oils, which are dropped under the tongue, creams or the aforementioned sprays also offer a great alternative for integrating CBD into your daily routine.

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Medical cannabis is allowed in Germany but is sometimes difficult to obtain. Most doctors are reluctant to prescribe it, and many patients fail due to bureaucratic hurdles. In addition, medical cannabis also carries the same potential side effects as classic weed/marijuana – from intoxication and addiction to psychological problems. Added to this is the social component and the unfriendly glances from neighbors when consuming the prescribed cannabis.

For everyone looking for natural support for well-being, relaxation, or pain relief, without wanting to deal with these difficulties, CBD can be a good alternative. It is legal and freely available, does not get you high, and has significantly fewer side effects.

Medical Disclaimer