Until now, cannabis has been considered an illegal drug that is addictive. Its possession is prohibited. However, more than 1,000 seriously ill people in Germany are already using it for self-therapy. A law that came into force in March of this year regulates the distribution and cost coverage by health insurance companies. What you need to know about "cannabis from the doctor".

Who can get cannabis from a doctor?

This is not regulated in the new law. No diseases are listed that can generally be treated with it. The doctor decides for whom cannabis is a suitable adjuvant. The prerequisite is that no other therapy has helped. However, this does not mean that all therapies have to be tried. According to the German Medical Association, people with multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy, paraplegia, neuropathy and rheumatism are currently being treated with cannabis.

What are its active ingredients and how is it taken?

Its active ingredients are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) is responsible for controlling its use for medical purposes. Cannabis products are available as oily solutions, drops, sprays, but also in the form of dried flowers. Cannabis is heated before use so that its ingredients can be released, for example with the help of an inhalation device. Smoking it is harmful.

How does cannabis work and are there any studies on it?

First of all: THC is a psychoactive substance that interferes with the central nervous system and has an intoxicating effect. US studies show that it helps with chronic pain and nausea.
pain and nausea. In Germany, data on cannabis therapy is only now being collected.

When do health insurance companies cover the costs?

The costs must be clarified before treatment. The doctor must certify that cannabis has a "noticeable positive effect on the course of the disease", as the legal text states.