German Pharmacies Dispensed Over 10,000 Units of Cannabis Flowers by June
In the first half of 2017, German pharmacies dispensed over 10,000 units of cannabis flowers upon medical prescription, covered by statutory health insurance. The number of prescriptions filled showed a steady increase.
Throughout the first six months of 2017, German pharmacies supplied over 10,000 units of cannabis flowers, either as processed preparations or unprocessed flowers, on medical prescription and reimbursed by statutory health insurance. The data, compiled by the German Institute for Drug Control (DAPI) from public pharmacy billing records, excludes private prescriptions.
The total number of dispensed units reached approximately 10,600 by the end of June. Monthly figures indicate a significant upward trend, with dispensed units rising from 564 in March to 1,468 in April, 3,666 in May, and 4,921 in June. Similarly, the total number of prescriptions filled by pharmacies increased consistently, from 488 in March to 2,213 in June.
Dr. Andreas Kiefer, CEO of DAPI and President of the German Pharmacists Association (Bundesapothekerkammer), anticipates a growing number of patients receiving cannabis treatment. He cautioned, however, that it is not a panacea but rather another therapeutic option requiring critical evaluation in each individual case.
In addition to the dispensed cannabis flowers and preparations, doctors prescribed approximately 12,500 finished medicinal products containing cannabis components or extracts between March and June. The dispensing of cannabis flowers as compounded medications by pharmacies became permissible on medical prescription from March 10. Prior to the law's enactment, around 1,000 patients had special permits to obtain cannabis flowers through pharmacies.