Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Medical Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Monthly Cost | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical — Magistral and Bedrocan only | 2015 (Bedrocan access) | No (possession decriminalised) | Specialist prescription — very limited | €200–€500/month | No standard coverage |
Legal Timeline
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Sativex approved but reimbursement denied — extremely rare use |
| 2015 | FAMHP permits Bedrocan product access via special procedure |
| 2018 | Individual magistral preparations possible via compounding pharmacies |
| 2022 | Coalition government includes minor cannabis reform in programme |
| 2023 | Possession decriminalised up to 3g personal use |
How to Access Medical Cannabis in Belgium
- Consult a specialist (neurologist, oncologist) — GPs cannot initiate cannabis prescriptions in Belgium
- Specialist applies to FAMHP (Federal Agency for Medicines) for individual patient authorisation
- If approved, medication dispensed via a compounding pharmacy or specialist supplier
- Process is slow (weeks to months) and with no guarantee of approval
- No reimbursement from INAMI/RIZIV — full out-of-pocket cost
Qualifying Conditions
- MS spasticity (primary access point)
- Refractory cancer pain
- Palliative care
- Treatment-resistant epilepsy (exceptional cases)
Licensed Providers & Clinics
| Provider | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FAMHP | famhp.be | Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products — individual authorisation |
| Bedrocan BE supply | Dutch Bedrocan products imported via FAMHP authorisation |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost (€) | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrocan flower (5g) | €45–€65 | Not reimbursed by INAMI |
| Magistral preparation | €150–€400/month | Not reimbursed |
| Specialist consultation | €40–€120 | INAMI covers standard consultation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical cannabis legal in Belgium?+
Very limited legal access exists. FAMHP can grant individual authorisations for specific patients. Bedrocan products are the primary access route for qualifying conditions. There is no broad medical cannabis programme in Belgium.
How difficult is it to get medical cannabis in Belgium?+
Access is among the most difficult in western Europe. FAMHP individual authorisations are slow and uncertain. Most Belgian patients who need cannabis turn to the Netherlands (short border crossing), where Bedrocan is available at any pharmacy with a prescription.
Is cannabis possession legal in Belgium?+
Belgium decriminalised possession of up to 3g cannabis for personal use in 2023. This means small quantities are not prosecuted, but there are no legal sales outlets. Medical use requires FAMHP authorisation.
Is Belgium moving towards legalisation?+
The current coalition government has included minor cannabis reform in its programme, but full legalisation is not imminent. Belgium's complex federal political structure makes coordinated reform challenging.
Does Belgian health insurance cover medical cannabis?+
INAMI/RIZIV does not reimburse medical cannabis products. Standard medical consultations are covered, but no subsidies exist for the medication itself.
Where do Belgian patients get medical cannabis practically?+
Many Belgian patients travel to the Netherlands for Bedrocan products available at Dutch pharmacies. Others use online Dutch or German clinic services. The border proximity and Schengen free movement make this a common practical solution.