Germany’s federal drug commissioner, Hendrik Streeck, is advocating for stricter regulations regarding vaping products and medical cannabis. He has expressed particular concern over the marketing of e-cigarettes with flavors appealing to young people.
Streeck indicated his intention to push for a prohibition on vape flavors specifically designed to attract children, citing examples like bubblegum. He challenged potential opposition to this measure, inviting dissenting voices to engage in direct discussion.
Beyond vaping, Streeck highlighted the need for revisions to the existing cannabis legislation. While remaining open to the findings of ongoing evaluations of the broader legalization framework, he emphasized the importance of a more robust and internally consistent law.
A key focus of his proposed changes centers on medical cannabis. Streeck voiced concerns regarding the misuse of medical cannabis for recreational purposes, particularly through online pharmacies. He supports current legislative proposals aimed at addressing this issue, referencing a bill introduced by Health Minister Nina Warken intended to prevent individuals from readily obtaining private prescriptions for medical cannabis through questionable online processes.
Furthermore, Streeck is advocating for a change in the form in which medical cannabis is prescribed. He argues that the current regulations lack consistency with standard pharmaceutical practices and that a standardized approach is needed. He specifically pointed to concerns about the fluctuating THC content in cannabis flower compared to the precise dosages found in capsules and drops. He noted a significant increase-80 percent-in the sale of cannabis flower, suggesting a potential shift towards recreational consumption rather than treatment of medical conditions.
Streeck maintains that smoking cannabis flower poses risks to lung health and increases cancer risk and that capsules and drops provide a medically sound, precisely measurable and safe alternative for managing pain or epilepsy. He proposes that cannabis flower no longer be prescribed, reinforcing the principle that doctors should diagnose and prescribe medication in clear dosages, with controlled dispensing by pharmacies – a system he believes should apply equally to all medications, including cannabis.
