Machine-translated from German. The original is the source of truth.
    Comparison · 2026

    Cannabis Prescription: Telemedicine vs. In-Person Practice

    Waiting times, costs, public health insurance reimbursement, discretion, delivery — everything you need to choose the right path to your cannabis prescription.

    In a nutshell

    Telemedicine is faster, location-independent, and generally more discreet — ideal for self-payers with a clear indication. Local practices excel in physical examinations, complex medical conditions, and when public health insurance is expected to cover the costs. Both approaches have been legally equivalent since the MedCanG 2024.

    Direct Comparison

    Criterion Telemedicine Local Practice
    Waiting time for appointment
    1–3 days 4–12 weeks
    Initial consultation
    Online questionnaire or video In-person at the practice
    Location dependency
    Nationwide, location-independent Requires proximity to residence
    Follow-up prescriptions
    Renewable online Practice visit depending on doctor
    Experience with cannabis
    High — specialized doctors Variable — many general practitioners are uncertain
    Delivery
    Mail-order pharmacy to home (30 min – 48 h) Self-pickup at pharmacy
    Initial consultation costs (self-payer)
    ≈ €4.99 – 30 ≈ €0 (public health insurance) / €30–80 (private)
    Price per gram
    €5–15 €5–15
    Data protection / Discretion
    High — no waiting room encounters Limited by practice visit
    Health insurance reimbursement possible
    Suitable for acute emergencies
    Personal physical examination

    Pros and Cons

    Telemedicine

    Advantages

    • Appointment within a few days
    • Available nationwide — even in regions without a cannabis practice
    • Experienced doctors specialized in cannabis
    • Discreet, no waiting room
    • Pharmacy delivery directly to your home

    Disadvantages

    • No physical examination
    • Public health insurance reimbursement more difficult
    • Limited for complex medical conditions
    • Platform costs for initial consultation

    Local Practice

    Advantages

    • Full physical examination possible
    • Established doctor-patient relationship
    • Better conditions for public health insurance cost coverage
    • Direct contact in case of side effects
    • Acute complaints also treatable

    Disadvantages

    • Weeks to months of waiting times
    • Many general practitioners do not prescribe cannabis
    • Location-bound — bottlenecks in rural areas
    • Waiting room and travel required

    Which path for whom?

    Choose telemedicine if …

    • you have a clear, documented indication (e.g., chronic pain, ADHD, sleep disorders).
    • you live in a region without a specialized practice.
    • you value discretion and fast delivery.
    • you are a self-payer.

    Choose an in-person practice if …

    • a physical examination is necessary.
    • you have comorbidities that require close coordination.
    • you want to apply for public health insurance reimbursement.
    • you are seeking long-term personal care.

    Cannabis by prescription?

    Compare telemedicine providers and start your cannabis therapy today — simply, legally, and from home.

    Become a patient now →

    FAQ

    Is a cannabis prescription via telemedicine legal in Germany?+

    Yes. Since the MedCanG on April 1, 2024, cannabis is no longer classified as a narcotic and can be prescribed on a regular private prescription — even via remote consultation. The prerequisites are a physician licensed in Germany and a medically justifiable indication. Providers like GetKong, Bloomwell, or Quick Green operate within medical professional regulations and remote treatment guidelines.

    When is an in-person practice better than telemedicine?+

    When a physical examination is necessary, for complex comorbidities, acute complaints, or if coverage by statutory health insurance is sought — in such cases, insurers often require a detailed medical report, which is easier to obtain from an in-person practice.

    How quickly can I get a cannabis prescription via telemedicine?+

    With questionnaire-based providers, often within 24 hours of submission; with video consultations, usually 1–3 business days. Express providers like Quick Green or GetKong sometimes deliver in major cities within 30–90 minutes after prescription issuance.

    What are the risks of telemedicine?+

    No physical examination, limited medical history with pure questionnaire providers, higher self-payer costs on some platforms, and risk of marketing-driven over-prescription. However, reputable providers conduct a medical review and reject patients without a valid indication.

    Does health insurance cover cannabis from telemedicine?+

    Generally yes — cost coverage is not tied to the prescription method, but to the medical justification. In practice, applications for telemedicine prescriptions are more often rejected because platforms often only issue private prescriptions. Public health insurance reimbursement is usually easier through established practices.