Berlin, 2025-10-08: The Federal Cabinet today adopted a shipping ban and an online prescription ban for medical cannabis flowers, having already submitted the corresponding draft law to the EU for notification. On this occasion, the BvCW today published an update of its position paper on medical cannabis as well as two position papers on pilot projects.

The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) fears that the planned bans would place a heavy burden on patients with mobility impairments (e.g., elderly or disabled people) and those living in rural areas, while only benefiting the black market.

From the perspective of the cannabis industry, the best way to curb the black market and prevent recreational users from purchasing medical cannabis privately is through regulated cannabis distribution in licensed shops. This could be implemented as part of scientific pilot projects.
“The path chosen by the federal government is wrong. We need telemedicine and mail-order options for patients, as well as pilot projects to enable legal access for consumers,” said BvCW President Dirk Heitepriem.

The legal basis for scientific research projects is included in §2 (4) KCanG. The responsible Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food has so far received at least 60 applications, including at least 34 pilot projects, though no approvals have been granted yet. Pilot projects examining health policy, social impacts, and economic effects of regulated cannabis use are currently underway in the Netherlands and Switzerland.

The BvCW’s position paper on pilot projects contains ten key demands, including:

• Clear requirement profiles for non-medical research projects and a clear distinction from medical research
  
  
• High quality standards along the entire supply chain (cultivation, production, distribution), including a mandatory track & trace system
  
  
• Deletion of the “exceptional case” provision from §2 (4) KCanG to facilitate research projects legally
  
  
• Establishment of qualified sales outlets in pilot projects – specialized stores and pharmacies
  
  
• Comparative evaluation of different supply models to identify success and risk factors
  
  
• Option for THC-based taxation to finance prevention and addiction support
  
  
• Safeguarding academic freedom by ensuring equal treatment of private and public research institutions
  
  

In addition, the BvCW previously published a members-only position paper titled “Professional Standards for Cannabis Pilot Projects” offering guidance and practical frameworks for the implementation of such scientific projects.

BvCW Managing Director Michael Greif commented: “We urge the federal government to clear the way for scientifically supervised pilot projects. These projects allow us to test practical solutions that both protect consumers and push back the illegal trade. They are key to evidence-based regulation.”