Frankfurt Court upholds ban on Bloomwell medical cannabis advertising

The Higher Regional Court (OLG) of Frankfurt has upheld a ban on advertising for the medical cannabis platform Bloomwell, rejecting an appeal by the company. The ruling confirms a previous decision by the Frankfurt District Court regarding marketing campaigns conducted in collaboration with the German rapper Sido and his brand, Siggis Pharm.

The court found that the campaign, which used the slogan ‘Mit Sido zu deinem Cannabis-Rezept’ (With Sido to your cannabis prescription) and offered free prescription requests, violated the German Therapeutic Products Advertising Act (Heilmittelwerbegesetz). The judges ruled that the promotional activities were designed to encourage the prescription, sale, and consumption of medical cannabis.

Furthermore, the court determined that the use of a prominent celebrity like Sido as a testimonial is prohibited when promoting prescription-only medications. The OLG also rejected Bloomwell’s argument that the North Rhine Pharmacists' Association (AKNR) lacked the authority to intervene, affirming that the association is responsible for monitoring professional duties and preventing illegal advertising in the pharmaceutical sector.