Medical Cannabis: Everything you need to know about medical cannabis on prescription
The most important things at a glance:
1. What exactly is medical cannabis?
Find out what medical cannabis is, how the active ingredients THC and CBD can alleviate symptoms and in which forms it has been available on prescription in Germany since 2017.
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2. How does prescription medical cannabis work?
Discover how medical cannabis works on the endocannabinoid system to relieve pain, nausea and loss of appetite and how the entourage effect can enhance therapeutic effects.
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3. How do you get medical cannabis?
Find out how you can access medical cannabis through medical consultation, health insurance approval, prescription, pharmacy purchase and ongoing care.
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Medical cannabis is an exciting and increasingly discussed topic in the world of health. Since 2017, it has been possible to get cannabis on prescription in Germany under certain conditions. But what exactly is behind this trend? How does the prescription of medical cannabis work, what active ingredients does it contain and for which illnesses can it be prescribed?
In this article, we answer the most important questions about medical cannabis and give you an overview of its use and benefits. Whether you are affected yourself or just want to find out more about it - you will find all the information you need here.
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What exactly is medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is basically nothing more than cannabis used specifically for medicinal purposes. It contains active ingredients such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which work in different ways in the body. THC is known for its psychoactive effects, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has sedative properties. These two cannabinoids can help relieve various symptoms and improve overall well-being.
It has been possible to obtain medical cannabis in Germany since 2017. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) regulates the cultivation, processing and distribution of medical cannabis. Doctors can prescribe it if other therapies have not been sufficiently effective or are not an option due to side effects. Typical areas of application are chronic pain, muscle cramps in multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy and loss of appetite in AIDS or cancer.
Medical cannabis comes in a variety of forms, including dried flowers, oils, capsules and sprays. Choosing the right form depends on the patient's individual needs and preferences. While the dried flowers are often smoked or vaporized, oils and capsules can be easily ingested and offer discreet and precise dosing.
How does prescription medical cannabis work?
The effects of medical cannabis are closely linked to the cannabinoids THC and CBD it contains. These interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body, a complex network of receptors that regulates many physiological processes, including pain perception, appetite, mood and memory.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the most well-known cannabinoid and is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, resulting in a variety of effects, including pain relief, relaxation, and a feeling of euphoria. These effects can be particularly helpful in treating chronic pain, muscle spasms, and nausea.
CBD (cannabidiol)
CBD is another major cannabinoid that, unlike THC, is non-psychoactive. It interacts primarily with CB2 receptors found in the immune system and peripheral nervous system. CBD has anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-epileptic properties. It can help reduce pain and inflammation without causing the “high” associated with THC.
synergy effects
One of the most fascinating properties of medical cannabis is the so-called entourage effect. This states that the combination of THC, CBD and other compounds found in the plant together can have a more powerful therapeutic effect than the isolated components alone. This means that a balanced mix of cannabinoids and terpenes may produce the best therapeutic effect.
Applications and Benefits
The effects of medical cannabis can be helpful for various illnesses and symptoms. These include, as already mentioned, among others:
Chronic pain:
THC and CBD can relieve pain and improve quality of life.
Muscle cramps in multiple sclerosis:
Cannabis can reduce muscle cramps.
Nausea and vomiting:
Cannabis can help alleviate these symptoms, especially in chemotherapy patients.
Loss of appetite:
Cannabis can stimulate appetite and counteract weight loss, which is especially helpful for AIDS and cancer patients.
The exact effects of medical cannabis can vary from person to person, and it is important to individualize therapy and work closely with a doctor to achieve the best results.
How do you get medical cannabis?
How do you get medical cannabis?
The path to getting medical cannabis approved and prescribed can be complex, but with the right knowledge and support, it is possible to gain access to this form of therapy. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Medical consultation
The first step to obtaining medical cannabis is to speak to your doctor. It is important that you openly discuss your symptoms and previous treatments. Doctors can prescribe medical cannabis if they believe it is a useful addition or alternative to conventional therapies. Cannabis therapy can be considered, especially for serious illnesses where other medications are not sufficient.
2. Approval by the health insurance company
In Germany, it is often necessary for the health insurance company to approve the coverage of medical cannabis. Your doctor will submit an application to your health insurance company detailing the course of the illness and the need for cannabis therapy. The health insurance company will review the application and decide whether to cover the costs. If the decision is positive, you will receive an approval that allows you to obtain the medication.
3. Prescription of medical cannabis
Once approved, your doctor can write a prescription for medical cannabis. This prescription can include different forms of cannabis, such as dried flowers, oils, capsules, or specific products such as dronabinol. Your doctor will choose the appropriate form and dosage based on your individual needs and symptoms.
4. Purchase from the pharmacy
With the prescription, you can get medical cannabis from a pharmacy. It is important to choose a pharmacy that has experience with cannabis as medicine and can give you comprehensive advice. The pharmacy will provide the prescribed medication and, if necessary, give you instructions on how to use it and how to dose it.
5. Ongoing support
Treatment with medical cannabis requires regular monitoring by your doctor. It is important that you discuss the effects and possible side effects with your doctor so that the therapy can be adjusted if necessary. Your doctor will document the course of the disease and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
6. Renewal of the Regulation
Since medical cannabis is often only prescribed for a limited period of time, it is necessary to regularly receive new prescriptions from your doctor. This requires ongoing medical care and, if necessary, further approvals from the health insurance company.
By working closely with your doctor and having proper documentation, you can ensure that you receive the best possible care and get the most out of the benefits of medical cannabis.
Here is all the important information from this section again: To receive medical cannabis, you need medical advice and approval from your health insurance company. Once approval is granted, your doctor can issue a prescription that you can redeem at a specialized pharmacy. The treatment requires regular monitoring and, if necessary, renewal of the prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Cannabis
Here we would like to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about medical cannabis in order to give you a better and more compact overview of the topic.
Medical cannabis can be prescribed to patients who suffer from serious illnesses and for whom conventional therapies are not sufficiently effective. Typical indications are chronic pain, muscle cramps in multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, and loss of appetite in AIDS or cancer. Cannabis is also used in specialized outpatient palliative care.
Medical cannabis can be prescribed in a variety of forms, including dried cannabis flowers, oils, capsules, and synthetic cannabinoids such as nabilone. The choice of form depends on individual needs and disease progression.
Products like our activated carbon filters from Medusafilters can improve the medical cannabis smoking experience by reducing harmful particles and providing a smoother smoke. This is especially beneficial when using cannabis in the form of dried flowers.
Approval for medical cannabis is granted by the health insurance company. Your doctor will submit an application describing the course of the illness and the need for cannabis therapy. After the health insurance company has checked, you will receive approval if the requirements are met. Cannabis will then be prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, side effects can occur, including dizziness, fatigue and dry mouth. With oily solution or capsules, side effects can vary in severity. It is important to carry out therapy under medical supervision in order to find the right dosage and minimize side effects.
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Our Medusafilters conclusion
Medical cannabis is a valuable treatment option for patients with severe symptoms when conventional treatments are not sufficient. Since 2017, patients in Germany have been able to obtain cannabis on prescription to relieve symptoms such as chronic pain, muscle cramps, nausea and much more.
Medical cannabis is approved and prescribed by the doctor and the health insurance company. The various dosage forms, from dried cannabis flowers to synthetic cannabinoids such as nabilone, allow for individual adaptation to the needs of the patient.
Medusafilters products, such as our activated carbon filters , can improve the smoking experience by reducing harmful particles. Well-supervised cannabis therapy, used correctly, can positively influence the course of the disease and improve the quality of life. Proper use of cannabis is crucial to achieving the best results here.
