There is already cannabis on prescription – according to Lauterbach, legalization is coming
Created: 05/12/2022Updated: 05/12/2022 8:18 am
By: Natalie Hull Drawbar
According to the German government, cannabis will soon not only be available on prescription for pain patients, but also legally and licensed.
Berlin – Hardly any other drug policy issue has occupied politicians and people more than cannabis for decades.
Should it now be available legally?
If so, in which form?
The German Federal Government recently discussed this.
So far, pain patients in particular have been able to have the "green gold" - also known as hemp, hashish and marijuana - prescribed for medical purposes.
The Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert (SPD) would like to work out a concrete plan together with Karl Lauterbach (SPD) as to how the controlled release of cannabis in Germany could be possible.
"It's about pooling knowledge and experience, but also about addressing objections and reservations very openly," Blienert told the German Press Agency (dpa).
Cannabis on prescription is already possible – according to Lauterbach, legalization will follow
The leading politicians want to exchange ideas with experts on the subject by autumn 2022: controlled tax regulations, health protection, cultivation, supply chains and taxation are to be discussed.
SPD, Greens and FDP had agreed in the coalition agreement to introduce a "controlled sale of cannabis to adults for recreational purposes in licensed shops".
A bill to legalize hemp is expected to be drafted by the second half of the year.
The aspect of youth and health protection in connection with the legalization of cannabis should be given special attention, said Blienert.
“Because in the end, of course, not more, but fewer young people should consume cannabis in Germany.” Future drug and addiction policy should be more about protection and help than about repression.
Nevertheless, some experts are critical of the possible legalization.
Cannabis has been officially available as medicine in Germany since 2017 under the “Cannabis as Medicine” law.
Cannabis in medicine - help for pain patients and multiple sclerosis
Should the German federal government make cannabis legal in Germany, hemp would not only be available on prescription to pain sufferers.
(Iconic image) © Westend61/Imago
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When you think of the hemp plant cannabis, most people probably think of the forbidden intoxicant.
The green plant also has a therapeutic aspect.
For more than five years, cannabis has been increasingly and successfully used as a medicine in chronic pain patients, people infected with the Epstein-Barr virus and with multiple sclerosis and spasticity.
According to the study, cannabinoids should also be able to protect against infection with the corona virus.
It is the active ingredients tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) that make up the therapeutic approach.
TCH can relieve pain and positively affect mood.
CBD also has an analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.