Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Medical Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Monthly Cost | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal — Medical + Adult Use | 2017 (medical) / 2024 (adult use) | Yes (limited, 2024) | GP or specialist prescription | €150–€400/month | Partial (GKV) |
Legal Timeline
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Medical cannabis legalised — GKV coverage possible for certain conditions |
| 2019 | Over 60,000 patients with prescriptions; pharmacy supply stabilises |
| 2022 | Coalition government pledges adult-use legalisation |
| 2024 | April: Cannabis Act passes — adults may possess 25g, grow 3 plants |
| 2024 | Social clubs (Cannabis Social Clubs) permitted from July 2024 |
How to Access Medical Cannabis in Germany
- Book appointment with your GP (Hausarzt) or a specialist — many clinics offer online video consultations
- Discuss your condition and provide prior treatment history; doctor assesses whether cannabis is appropriate
- If approved, doctor issues a BtM-Rezept (Betäubungsmittelrezept — narcotic prescription)
- Take prescription to any licensed pharmacy (Apotheke) — most stock cannabis flower, oils, and extracts
- For GKV insurance coverage, submit prior-approval application (Kostenübernahmeantrag) before starting treatment
- Monthly follow-up appointments recommended; dosage adjusted as needed
Qualifying Conditions
- Chronic pain
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity
- PTSD
- ADHD
- Cancer pain
- Tourette syndrome
- Anxiety disorders
- Epilepsy
- Anorexia / cachexia
- Depression
- Crohn's disease
- Fibromyalgia
Licensed Providers & Clinics
| Provider | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Algea Care | algea.care | Largest German cannabis clinic — online consultations nationwide |
| Sanity Group / Vayamed | vayamed.de | Full prescription and pharmacy fulfilment service |
| Cansativa | cansativa.de | Licensed distributor supplying pharmacies Germany-wide |
| Docvita | docvita.de | Online GP service, cannabis-experienced doctors |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost (€) | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Dried flower (5g) | €35–€55 | Partial GKV possible |
| Extract / oil (10ml) | €40–€90 | Partial GKV possible |
| Online consultation | €49–€120 first visit | Not covered |
| Monthly follow-up | €20–€50 | GKV if Hausarzt |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis legal in Germany?+
Yes — adult-use cannabis was legalised in April 2024. Adults may possess up to 25g in public and grow up to 3 plants at home. Medical cannabis has been available via prescription since 2017.
How do I get a medical cannabis prescription in Germany?+
Visit your GP (Hausarzt) or a specialist directly — no prior referral required. Many clinics such as Algea Care offer online video consultations. The doctor issues a BtM-Rezept (narcotic prescription) which is filled at any licensed Apotheke.
Does German health insurance (GKV) cover medical cannabis?+
GKV plans may cover medical cannabis for chronic pain and MS spasticity, but approval is not automatic. You must submit a Kostenübernahmeantrag before starting treatment. Privately insured patients (PKV) typically have easier access to reimbursement.
Which conditions qualify for medical cannabis in Germany?+
There is no fixed qualifying condition list in Germany. Doctors assess on a case-by-case basis. Common approved conditions include chronic pain, MS spasticity, PTSD, ADHD, cancer-related pain, Tourette syndrome, and treatment-resistant epilepsy.
How long does it take to get a prescription in Germany?+
Online clinics typically complete the assessment and issue a prescription within 3–7 days. GKV prior-approval can add 2–4 weeks. Many patients self-pay initially and apply for insurance retroactively.
Can tourists buy cannabis in Germany?+
Adult-use cannabis is for German residents and EU citizens only under the 2024 law. Tourists cannot purchase from Social Clubs. Medical prescriptions from other EU countries are not automatically valid in German pharmacies.