A Munich doctor raises alarms over the careless issuance of cannabis prescriptions online. He highlights the risks, especially for young adults.
Florian Wesemann, a doctor in Munich’s Maxvorstadt, is deeply concerned about the growing trend of doctors issuing cannabis prescriptions online without proper medical consultations. In his practice, Wesemann ensures all patients receive thorough, personalized advice. However, he criticizes other doctors who prescribe medical cannabis more easily, often without any prior medical consultation. “That’s an absolute no-go. We don’t do that here,” Wesemann asserts.
One of the online providers in question is “Dr. Ansay,” operated by Hamburg entrepreneur Can Ansay, a lawyer, not a doctor. Ansay’s website promotes “simple, fast, and reliable” online services for sick notes and prescriptions, including cannabis, all “without a stressful doctor’s visit.” Despite regulations requiring a doctor’s consultation, some of Ansay’s patients reported that they received their cannabis prescriptions after merely filling out a questionnaire, without ever speaking to a doctor. They simply listed typical cannabis-treatment complaints like sleep disorders and quickly received a prescription.
Wesemann stresses the importance of in-person consultations, especially for younger patients aged 18 to 23, to ensure they understand the potential effects and correct dosages. He notes that brain development in this age group may not be fully complete, and careful consideration is needed when prescribing cannabinoids. However, Ansay’s service reportedly provides prescriptions even to 18-year-olds without difficulty.
Ansay defends his service by claiming that patients want cannabis prescriptions to be simple, fast, and affordable. He argues that a doctor’s consultation would significantly increase the time, waiting, and cost for patients, which many do not want. “That’s why only a few choose our optional guaranteed consultation with a cannabis expert,” he says. This practice has drawn criticism from politicians, such as CSU health politician Stephan Pilsinger, who warns that this approach is ripe for abuse. Since April 1st, when new cannabis legislation was introduced, more regular users without genuine medical needs have been seeking medical cannabis, angering the German Cannabis Patients’ Association, which has expressed frustration over the increasing number of “pseudo-patients.”
The legality of issuing cannabis prescriptions without a doctor’s consultation remains murky. The Federal Ministry of Health refers the matter to the states, noting that it is not authorized to definitively interpret laws or regulations. Nevertheless, some state medical boards have already initiated proceedings against such practices, although enforcement is challenging due to the international nature of some of these businesses, with Ansay’s company being based in Malta.
Uses of medical cannabis and effects on young adults
German young adults use medical cannabis for various reasons, and its effects can vary depending on the individual and their specific condition. Here are some key points:
- Conditions treated with medical cannabis:
- Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, can be helpful in treating certain conditions. However, the specific disorders it can legally be used to treat vary from state to state. Some common conditions include:
- Muscle spasms: Medical cannabis may help alleviate muscle spasms.
- Chronic pain: It appears to be effective for managing chronic pain.
- Nausea: Medical cannabis can help reduce nausea.
- Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, can be helpful in treating certain conditions. However, the specific disorders it can legally be used to treat vary from state to state. Some common conditions include:
- Effects on young adults:
- Brain development: The teen brain continues to develop until around age 25. Cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood may harm brain development. Teens who use cannabis are more likely to quit high school or not get a college degree.
- Mental health: Cannabis use has been linked to mental health problems, including depression, social anxiety, and temporary psychosis. The association with schizophrenia is stronger in those who start using cannabis at an earlier age and use it more frequently.
- Impaired driving: Driving while impaired by any substance, including cannabis, is dangerous. Cannabis negatively affects skills required for safe driving.
- Risk of addiction: Approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder. The risk is stronger in those who start using it during youth or adolescence and use it frequently.
