Telemedicine: what is it? Definition, meaning, provider for cannabis

Telemedicine is fundamentally changing healthcare. You can receive medical advice, diagnoses and prescriptions online – without a waiting room, without long journeys – this is called a teleclinic. This is a huge relief, especially for people with little time or in rural areas. But how exactly does telemedicine work, what advantages does it offer and what does the German healthcare system have to say about it?

“Telemedicine” definition & meaning

“Teleklinik” einfach erklärt und ihre Vorteile

Telemedicine uses digital technologies to connect you and doctors regardless of time and place. Instead of visiting the practice, you can talk to medical professionals via video or chat. Even prescriptions and treatment plans can be issued online.

What does “telemedicine” mean?

Whether Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Dortmund, Hanover, Stuttgart, … Telemedicine enables medical consultations, diagnoses and treatments via digital channels. This saves time, reduces waiting times and improves care – especially in remote regions.

The expansion of telemedicine is being accelerated by new laws such as the Digital Act. Doctors can now offer more video consultations, pharmacies are allowed to provide telemedical consultations and e-prescriptions are becoming mandatory.

• Medical advice online via video or chat
• Receive prescriptions & treatments digitally
• Fast access to medical care
• Particularly helpful for rural regions

4 concrete advantages of telemedicine

Telemedicine makes access to healthcare much easier. The Federal Ministry of Health is actively promoting it because it relieves the burden on patients and doctors alike.

Fast & flexible access

You can make an appointment at any time – even in the evening or at the weekend. No long waiting times, no appointment problems.

Better medical care in rural regions

Specialists are often far away. Telemedicine allows you to consult a doctor no matter where you live.

Relief for the healthcare system

Video consultations have been regularly billable since 2017 and have proven their worth during the pandemic. They enable doctors to work more efficiently.

Discreet & anonymous treatment

Especially for sensitive topics such as mental health or medical cannabis, telemedicine offers a confidential alternative to a visit to the doctor’s office.

• Medical help without waiting times
• Care regardless of where you live
• Less burden for doctors & clinics
• Discreet treatment of sensitive topics

Legal basis: focus on digital health

The Digital Act introduces important innovations that will make telemedicine even better:

• Electronic patient file (ePA): Every person with statutory health insurance automatically receives an ePA that stores medical data.
• E-prescription: The electronic prescription will become standard from 2025.
• Expansion of telemedicine: doctors can offer more video consultations, including from home.
• Assisted telemedicine: pharmacies may provide consultations via video.
• Digital health applications (DiGA): Apps for complex treatments such as telemonitoring can now be used.

Telemedicine & cannabis: Is the ban coming?

Telemedicine offers a particularly discreet solution for medicinal cannabis. If you want to get a cannabis prescription online, you can do so via CannaZen. This is how it works:

1. Fill out online questionnaire and submit request
2. Medical examination within a few hours
3. Receive a prescription and place an order at a partner pharmacy
4. Discreet home delivery

Yes, the CDU is planning higher regulation with a draft law.

Criticism of the planned anti-telemedicine law

The German Hemp Association has also criticized the German government’s planned anti-telemedicine law, which aims to ban online prescriptions and the mail order of cannabis flowers. In addition, there are reports of new cannabis cultivation associations, police actions, international drug transports and studies on cannabis as an “exit drug”.

Pro (from the point of view of the law’s critics):

1. Telemedicine facilitates access for many patients, especially where local care is lacking
2. Online shipping is practical for people with limited mobility and for rare varieties
3. Ban would push patients back onto the black market
4. Cannabis can help reduce the use of other drugs such as opiates or alcohol

Contra (from the point of view of the supporters of the law):

1. Concern about abuse by non-patients (“recreational consumers with online prescriptions”)
2. Rising prescription figures are viewed critically
3. Personal on-site consultation to ensure quality and control

Telemedicine in Europe: use and benefits

Telemedicine has long been more than just a trend – it is changing the way medical care is conceived and implemented in Europe. Various studies clearly show that the use of digital solutions brings numerous advantages, but is also accompanied by political and infrastructural challenges. Read more about telemedicine in Europe here.

When I heard today that one in four treatments in France – i.e. 25% of all prescriptions – take place online, I was surprised. In Germany, it’s only 8% of prescriptions.

Telemedicine is developing rapidly in Europe – with countries such as France, Denmark and Estonia leading the way. Germany, on the other hand, is lagging far behind. Studies by the WHO, Deloitte and the Bertelsmann Stiftung show why this is the case, what advantages digital healthcare offers and what specifically needs to be done to catch up.

• WHO studies,
• Deloitte,
• Bertelsmann Foundation

Read more here:

• Telemedicine studies

Conclusion: Telemedicine is the future!

The new provisions of the Digital Act will further expand telemedicine. You now have even more options for using medical services digitally – discreetly, anonymously and flexibly. It is a safe alternative to traditional visits to the doctor, especially for sensitive issues such as cannabis prescriptions. If you are looking for an uncomplicated solution, CannaZen is the right address for you.