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Photo: Andre Germar / IMAGO
A Munich doctor has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for prescribing cannabis more than 500 times without a medical reason.
According to the Munich District Court, he has enriched himself financially – and will no longer be allowed to practice in the future.
The court on Wednesday convicted him of 539 counts of illicit commercial prescription of narcotics -- and possession of a handgun without a permit.
In addition, a professional ban was imposed on the 68-year-old if his medical work is related to the prescription of narcotics.
Since an amendment to the Narcotics Act in March 2017, doctors have been able to prescribe cannabis for their patients in justified cases - but only if the doctor comes to the conclusion during the examination that the use is suitable and necessary from a medical point of view.
The court found that in 2017 and 2018 the defendant prescribed cannabis to his patients in order to make money without his own examination and diagnosis.
The man's practice was not equipped for "an examination and proper diagnosis".
Physician gives his license voluntarily
According to the court, the doctor did not meet his patients in practice, but in various cafes and restaurants in Munich.
He charged between 120 and 150 euros for a first prescription and 60 euros for subsequent prescriptions of cannabis.
He is said to have earned a total of 47,700 euros.
The 68-year-old had "grossly violated his duties as a doctor," judged the chamber.
The fact that the doctor voluntarily surrendered his medical license and the illegal weapon had a mitigating effect.
In addition, according to the court, he has confessed and shown remorse.
The judgment is not final.
The defense and the public prosecutor's office can appeal to the Federal Court of Justice within a week.
saw/dpa