Two years after the Cannabis Act came into effect, the results are clear: the reform has been a resounding success, particularly evident in the strong support from patients. The medical cannabis market has become a central pillar for safe, controlled, and increasingly evidence-based patient care.
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Ongoing health policy discussions—such as proposals to stop reimbursing cannabis flowers under statutory health insurance and instead focus on standardized extracts and finished medicinal products—highlight that pharmaceutical cannabis has firmly established itself in society, and that the market is becoming increasingly professionalized. The growing importance of standardized medical products, such as dronabinol, along with other innovative formulations, clearly reflects this trend.
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At the same time, a significant number of patients continue to rely on cannabis flowers. For many, this form of therapy is crucial, contributing substantially to their quality of life. Market data also show that a considerable share of patients is willing to cover the cost of this therapy themselves, easing the burden on the publicly funded healthcare system.
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Data from Cantourage’s telemedicine platform, TELECAN, further confirm this trend: many patients consciously choose therapies tailored to their individual needs and cover the costs themselves.
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In light of these developments, further refinement of the law is warranted. The goal should be to strengthen medical standards while ensuring reliable access to a variety of cannabis therapies and products. However, blanket restrictions on the reimbursement of cannabis flowers should be approached with caution: today, only a small proportion of patients receive coverage from health insurers, and access for these patients should remain guaranteed.
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“We already see many patients consciously investing in high-quality, individually tailored therapies,” said Philip Schetter, CEO of Cantourage. “At the same time, it is clear how important it is to consider all effective treatment options—including cannabis flowers—without unnecessarily restricting patient access. Decisions should be evidence-based and consider both medical standards and real-world care.”
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These developments confirm the trend toward more evidence-based and patient-centered cannabis therapy. The challenge ahead is to continue developing regulations in a balanced way that ensures both innovation and long-term care security.