When can you get cannabis from a doctor?

The prescription of medicinal cannabis has been possible in Germany under certain conditions since the law was amended in 2017. For many patients with chronic or difficult-to-treat illnesses, cannabis therapy offers a valuable alternative to specifically alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life. But when exactly does a doctor prescribe cannabis and what steps are necessary? Find out everything you need to know about which illnesses are recognized as indications, what the prescription process looks like and what cost coverage options are available. Back to: Cannabis doctor.

Requirements for the prescription of cannabis

In Germany, a doctor can prescribe cannabis if there is a demonstrable medical need. Cannabis is usually used when conventional therapies are not sufficiently effective or have too many side effects. The decision to prescribe is based on the specific diagnosis and the patient’s individual symptoms.

“Cannabis as a medicine is a valuable option for patients who cannot or do not want to take conventional medicines.”

The following requirements must be met for a prescription to be considered:

  • Positive impact: The doctor documents the necessity of the therapy and assesses the expected benefits for the patient’s health.
  • Alternative treatment: Cannabis is often prescribed when other therapies have not been able to alleviate the symptoms sufficiently.
  • Clear diagnosis: The attending physician carefully examines whether cannabis therapy appears to make sense.

Which illnesses and symptoms are suitable for cannabis therapy?

Medical cannabis is often used to relieve symptoms of difficult-to-treat or chronic conditions. Common areas of application include:

  • Chronic pain: Patients who suffer from severe, persistent pain.
  • Neurological diseases: Cannabis can help with epilepsy or multiple sclerosis in particular.
  • Cancer therapy: Cannabis can have a supportive effect by alleviating nausea and loss of appetite during chemotherapy.
  • Mental illnesses: Cannabis can help relieve post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety disorders.

The prescription process: step by step

Prescribing cannabis involves several steps to ensure a sound diagnosis and targeted advice. The process at a glance:

  1. Initial consultation and medical history: In the first step, the patient discusses their symptoms and previous treatments in detail with the doctor. This discussion helps the doctor to assess the medical necessity and find the best treatment option.
  2. Prescription decision: Based on the medical history, the doctor decides whether cannabis therapy is suitable and documents the diagnosis and the need for a prescription.
  3. Prescription and advice: If the course of treatment is assessed as positive, the patient receives a prescription that can be filled at a cannabis pharmacy. The pharmacy will also provide information on suitable cannabis varieties and the appropriate dosage.

For more tips, check out our guide to talking to a doctor about getting a cannabis prescription.

Cost coverage and private prescription: financing the therapy

The assumption of costs for medical cannabis is generally possible in Germany, but is subject to strict conditions. Health insurance companies only cover the costs if the medical necessity is documented and cannabis therapy appears to be the last treatment option available. The treating doctor can apply to the health insurance company for the costs to be covered, and if the decision is positive, the costs are borne by the insurance company.

If the health insurance company refuses to cover the costs or the patient wants to use the therapy independently, a private prescription is also possible. In this case, the patient bears the therapy costs independently. A private prescription offers the advantage that the prescription can often be issued more flexibly and without the approval of the health insurance company.

Tips for a successful application:

  • Careful documentation of previous therapies and their results.
  • Open communication with the health insurance company and submission of all required documents.
  • Consultation with the doctor to create the best possible argumentation for the necessity of the therapy.

Preparing for the consultation

Talking to a doctor about a possible cannabis therapy can be a challenge for many patients. However, good preparation can help to increase the chances of a prescription. The following tips can make it easier to start the conversation:

  • Describe your symptoms in detail and describe which other treatments have so far been inadequate.
  • Find out about the treatment options in advance and ask specific questions about cannabis therapy.
  • Remain open to the doctor’s opinion and show that you are prepared to use the treatment responsibly.

Cannabis doctor: illness, treatment & prescription

To become a cannabis patient, your path leads to a cannabis doctor and treatment. Stress, loss of appetite, insomnia, there are many illnesses for which cannabis can help, as current studies show. With a cannabis prescription, you can get your medical cannabis locally, but you can also order online. Learn more about cannabis doctors, their tasks and your treatment as a patient here.

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