In Germany, all general practitioners and specialists are generally allowed to prescribe cannabis as a medicine, provided they have the appropriate additional qualifications. In order to prescribe medical cannabis, doctors require a special permit in accordance with the German Narcotics Act (BtMG). This permit can be applied for at the Federal Opium Agency of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and is usually also held by every general practitioner or specialist, as otherwise they would not be allowed to prescribe any narcotics (opiates etc.).
Doctors from various specialties can prescribe medical cannabis, including general practitioners, pain management specialists, neurologists, oncologists and other specialized doctors.
It is important to note that not all doctors with this additional qualification are willing or able to prescribe medicinal cannabis. Some doctors may not be able to prescribe due to their own beliefs or lack of experience with the subject.
The entitlement to a supply of cannabis only exists if the following conditions are met:
1. there is no generally recognized treatment method available that meets medical standards or, in the opinion of the doctor, it is not possible to use it in the individual case, taking into account the expected side effects and the patient’s state of health.
2. there is a realistic chance of a noticeable positive effect on the course of the disease or on severe symptoms.
Legal basis: § 31 Absatz 6 SGB V
