New Rules for Cannabis Medicines and Homeopathics Take Effect

Berlin – As of July 30, 2026, new regulations governing the provision of cannabis medicines, as well as homeopathic and anthroposophic preparations, for individuals covered by statutory health insurance (GKV) in Germany have come into effect. The changes stem from a revised version of Section 31, Paragraph 6 of the German Social Code Book V (SGB V), which was officially published on July 29, 2026.

Under the new rules, statutory health insurance will no longer cover dried cannabis flowers. Reimbursement will now be limited to standardized cannabis extracts and medicines containing dronabinol or nabilone, provided all other prerequisites of Section 31, Paragraph 6 SGB V are met.

The legislation does not include specific transitional provisions for prescriptions issued before July 30, 2026, but dispensed afterward. This creates a potential risk for pharmacies regarding reimbursement for dispensed cannabis flowers to GKV patients after the effective date. However, the change does not affect the general market availability of cannabis flowers, which can still be dispensed against private prescriptions.

Similarly, effective July 30, 2026, homeopathic and anthroposophic medicines are excluded from reimbursement by statutory health insurance under Section 31 SGB V. Pharmacies can no longer bill these prescriptions to health insurance providers. This applies to all statutorily insured individuals, including children and adolescents. These treatments will only be available as private pay services.

Approved, evidence-based herbal medicines are not affected by these changes, and existing regulations for them remain in place.