The first reading of the amendment to the Medical Canna Act (MedCanG) in the Bundestag took place shortly before 11 p.m. on Thursday evening. While Health Minister Nina Warken defended the current draft, Matthias Mieves, speaking for the SPD parliamentary group, emphasized that changes were necessary
As she had previously pointed to the increased import volumes to demonstrate a possible misuse of medicinal cannabis. After all, the health minister argued, no one could seriously claim that we had 400 percent more pain patients within a year. In her opinion, the suspicion that these were primarily adult-use users could not be dismissed.
Matthias Mieves, representing the SPD, took to the podium and agreed with the need to prevent potential misuse. At the same time, however, he emphasized that the current draft would also harm seriously ill people who depend on medical cannabis. A solution is needed that, on the one hand, ensures a reliable supply, and on the other hand, prevents misuse. Mieves specifically referred to patients in rural areas without the necessary infrastructure. While the SPD health policy expert also considered a doctor's consultation necessary, Mieves argued that this could just as easily take place via video consultation in 2025.
Echoing a post on Abgeordnetenwatch , Mieves explained that the SPD parliamentary group opposes a ban on mail-order sales and supports an initial doctor's consultation, which can optionally take place via video call. Mieves promised: The SPD will not abandon those who depend on a secure supply.
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