[Cannabis for medical purposes : Impact of the law of 6\xa0March 2017 on physicians].

Abstract

The law on the amendment of the narcotics law and other regulations, which was accepted by consensus by the German Parliament, significantly expanded the options for the use of cannabis-based medicinal products. In individual cases, already approved cannabis-based medicinal products can also be prescribed outside the approved indication at the expense of the statutory health insurance funds (GKV). The cost of treatment with cannabis flowers and extracts as well as dronabinol, which are not approved under the drug law, will also be covered by the GKV upon application. Physicians must advise their patients on the options of treatment with cannabis-based medicinal products and support them in applying for reimbursement. The prescription of unauthorized medical cannabis products poses particular challenges, as there is no summary of product characteristics that is mandatory for authorized finished products. In addition, physicians are obliged to participate in an accompanying survey. To this end, they must send data to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices providing information about treatment with cannabis-based medicinal products. When prescribing medical cannabis products as defined in the Act of 6\xa0March 2017 amending the law on narcotic drugs and other regulations, physicians assume a\xa0special responsibility that goes far beyond the responsibility for the use of authorized finished medicinal products.