German medical cannabis reimbursement dispute

Following the implementation of the GKV Contribution Stabilization Act on July 30, 2026, cannabis flowers were removed from the statutory health insurance benefit catalog in Germany. This change has prompted significant concern from patient representatives within the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), who warned that a lack of transitional arrangements could cause treatment interruptions for seriously ill patients. Concerns were specifically raised regarding the shift from vaporizable flowers to inhalable extracts, noting that inconsistent coverage and denials have already occurred.

In response to these regulatory changes, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Cannabis als Medizin (ACM) launched a petition to the German Bundestag to restore reimbursements for medical cannabis flowers. The initiative, supported by Hanf.com, argues that approximately 65,000 patients are affected and that cannabis extracts are not an equivalent therapeutic alternative. Advocates, including Wenzel Vaclav Cerveny of the Cannabis Bündnis Deutschland, have stated that patient care should not be subordinated to “short-term cost-saving logic.” Signature collection for the petition is expected to continue through October 30, 2026.