Germany’s new Federal Drug Commissioner, Prof Dr Hendrik Streeck (CDU), who in June had spoken only vaguely about the partial legalisation of cannabis, has since taken a sharper stance.
In recent comments to the press, Streeck signalled that he expects significant changes to current policy – and these may not be favourable for the industry, patients, or consumers. He argued that the Cannabis Act (CanG) lacks coherence and rigour, particularly in relation to medical use.
Calls for reform
According to Streeck, the rules on personal cultivation are unrealistic. Skilled growers, he noted, can harvest up to one kilogram of cannabis flowers from three plants, which he considers excessive.
In an interview with the Deutsches Ärzteblatt (German Medical Journal), he also welcomed Health Minister Nina Warken’s (CDU) draft law to tighten telemedicine rules. At present, too many patients are obtaining cannabis through online pharmacies, he said, with some using it recreationally. This, he argued, is reflected in the 80% rise in medical cannabis sales.
Opposition to cannabis flowers
Streeck is particularly critical of prescribing cannabis in flower form. Because it is most often smoked, he warned that it poses health risks like lung damage and cancer.
Instead, he advocates the use of capsules or drops for conditions such as pain or epilepsy, and has said cannabis flowers should no longer be prescribed at all.
Hendrik Streeck, Germany’s Federal Drug Commissioner – Credit: Frank Burkhardt (Wikimedia Commons)
Waiting for data
Despite his criticism, Streeck pointed to the ongoing evaluation of the CanG, whose results will be published in two phases – in autumn and spring. These reports will analyse developments in the illicit market, traffic accidents, consumption trends, and cases of cannabis-induced psychosis.
SPD pushes back
While the CDU favours restrictions on telemedicine, its coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), is not aligned. Carmen Wegge, SPD rapporteur for the Interior and Legal Affairs Committee, stated on abgeordnetenwatch.de that the party would ‘under no circumstances’ support the proposed restrictions in their current form.
In early August, Wegge emphasised that ensuring ‘reliable, local, and barrier-free care’ must remain a priority. Online access to cannabis medicines, she said, is vital for patients with chronic or serious illness, as well as for those in areas with limited GP coverage.
She also confirmed that the SPD supports the broader paradigm shift in drug policy, including pilot projects with licensed cannabis retailers and, in the longer term, full legalisation in line with EU law.
Next steps
Any draft law from the Federal Ministry of Health would first undergo consultation within the ministry before cabinet discussion, and later debate in the Bundestag and its specialist committees. Several negotiation stages remain before a final position is reached. The SPD has made clear it will seek to protect patient access to cannabis medicines while ensuring adequate safeguards.
Industry stakeholders, including companies and medical associations, are also voicing opposition to restricting cannabis flowers, arguing for therapeutic freedom and patient choice. Their case will be explored further in a forthcoming Business of Cannabis article.
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