The G-BA's press release addresses new regulations on medical cannabis prescriptions in Germany. By removing approval requirements for certain medical specialists, the initiative aims to simplify access to cannabis treatment for patients.This change will resolve issues of delayed treatment, improve patient care, and allow physicians to prescribe cannabis without bureaucratic hurdles, ultimately enhancing the responsiveness of the healthcare system to patients' needs.

Here are the key points from the G-BA press release on medical cannabis prescriptions:

• Initial Prescription Approval: Initial cannabis prescriptions generally require health insurance approval; follow-up prescriptions only need approval if switching products.
• Exemption Criteria: No approval required for physicians with specific qualifications:
• Specialties: General Medicine, Anesthesiology, Gynecological Oncology, Internal Medicine (and sub-specialties like Cardiology, Rheumatology, etc.), Neurology, Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy.
• Additional Qualifications: Geriatrics, Tumor Therapy, Palliative Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Special Pain Therapy.
• Optional Approval: Qualified doctors can still seek approval to avoid financial risks and ensure compliance.