The German government is facing rising political friction over proposed restrictions on the prescription of medical cannabis, sparking accusations of undermining both physician autonomy and patient access. Health Minister Nina Warken, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has tabled plans to prohibit the issuance of cannabis prescriptions without direct, in-person consultations, a move sharply criticized by the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
According to a statement from Carmen Wegge, the SPD’s spokesperson for legal policy, the proposal represents an unwarranted intrusion into the professional discretion of doctors and a curtailment of patient agency. The proposed rule would effectively end the ability to obtain medical cannabis prescriptions through online platforms and video consultations, a practice that has become increasingly common.
The SPD’s concerns extend beyond domestic implications. Wegge argues that the proposed ban – preventing the shipment of medical cannabis from EU countries – blatantly violates the principles of free movement of goods and services enshrined within European law. She contends that the restrictions disproportionately disadvantage suppliers operating within the European Union, creating an uneven playing field and hindering economic integration.
“We require a constitutionally sound and Europe-compliant solution that guarantees supply security, equal treatment and digital accessibility” Wegge insisted in an interview with “Der Spiegel”. The SPD is pushing for an alternative framework that balances regulatory oversight with the needs of patients and the realities of cross-border commerce.
The diverging perspectives underscore a deepening divide within the German parliament, with the CDU’s eagerness to tighten regulations seemingly at odds with the SPD’s commitment to upholding EU law and safeguarding patient rights. Minister Warken remains determined to push the legislation through parliament this year, setting the stage for potentially protracted and contentious debates. The ultimate outcome will likely shape not only the access to medical cannabis for German citizens, but also the nation’s adherence to its international legal obligations.
