Medical Cannabis Online: Process, Costs & Tips for 2026

Medical Cannabis Online: Medical Treatment, Costs and Tips for 2026

Wondering how medical cannabis works in Germany? Alongside cultivation associations for adults resident in Germany, there is the medical route: medical treatment, which telemedicine has made easier to access. Here you can find out how treatment works online, what it costs and what to look out for.

*Important: A prescription is not guaranteed. It can only be issued after medical treatment and once all criteria are met. Whether that is the case is decided solely by the treating doctor. Fast pickup or delivery is only possible with a valid prescription.

Medical Cannabis in Germany: The Legal Position in 2026

Doctors in Germany have been able to prescribe cannabis for medical purposes since 2017. Since 1 April 2024, medical cannabis has been governed by the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG) and is no longer classified as a narcotic under Germany's narcotics regulations (BtM). This reduces the paperwork for doctors and pharmacies.

What does this mean for you? If your treating doctor considers it appropriate after treatment and all criteria are met, a prescription can be issued for cannabis flower, extracts or other formulations. You then have the prescription filled at a pharmacy. Pharmacy-dispensed cannabis is subject to quality requirements under pharmaceutical standards (GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice). This route operates alongside the Cannabis Social Clubs, which are intended for recreational use by adults resident in Germany. The medical route is not an alternative for recreational use.

Medical Treatment Online: Step by Step

Telemedicine platforms offer medical treatment around cannabis therapy online. The process usually works like this:

• Step 1: Find the right platform
  There are several providers in Germany. ZazaXpress, for example, is one option. These platforms work with doctors who have experience prescribing medical cannabis. Signing up is usually quick.
• Step 2: Complete a medical questionnaire
  After registering, you fill in a detailed medical history questionnaire. You will be asked about your symptoms, previous treatments and medical history. Be as honest and accurate as possible. If you have medical reports or documentation confirming your diagnosis, upload them. This helps the doctor assess your situation. At ZazaXpress, your treatment request is usually processed within 15 to 60 minutes*.
• Step 3: Video call (voluntary)
  Depending on the platform, a video call with a doctor is possible; at ZazaXpress it is voluntary. The doctor assesses, based on your questionnaire answers, whether cannabis treatment could be appropriate and beneficial for you. You can ask any questions you have about treatment, dosage and strains. You must be at least 18 and verify your identity with an ID document.
• Step 4: The doctor's decision
  A prescription is not guaranteed. It can only be issued after medical treatment and once all criteria are met. Since the change in the law, a narcotics prescription is no longer required. If a prescription is issued, it is sent to you digitally or forwarded to a pharmacy.
• Step 5: Pickup or delivery*
  With a valid prescription, the medicine is ready for pickup at the pharmacy* or can be delivered*. ZazaXpress offers express pickup or delivery* in Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Cologne, Osnabrück, Dortmund, Augsburg and Leipzig; Munich, Stuttgart and Düsseldorf are coming soon. In all other cities the medicine is shipped by DHL with a valid prescription, so it can be pre-ordered*. How long shipping takes depends on the individual case. Processing time, availability and delivery time depend on location and pharmacy.

Which Conditions Can Cannabis Be Prescribed For?

The law does not set out a specific list of conditions. The decision is always at the treating doctor's discretion. The basic requirement is a "serious medical condition" for which standard treatments have been unsuccessful, have not been tolerated or are considered unsuitable by the doctor.

Conditions for which cannabis is often prescribed include:

• Chronic pain: For example, neuropathic pain, migraines, fibromyalgia or arthritis pain.
• Mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ADHD.
• Sleep disorders: Particularly chronic insomnia associated with other medical conditions.
• Neurological conditions: Multiple sclerosis, particularly for spasticity, Tourette syndrome or epilepsy.
• Loss of appetite and nausea: Often as a supportive treatment during cancer therapy or for people with HIV/AIDS.

The key point is that the decision rests solely with your treating doctor. There is no entitlement to a prescription.

How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost?

As online platforms provide private medical services, you will generally need to pay the costs yourself. Coverage through statutory health insurance is theoretically possible, but in practice it is a lengthy and difficult process. You should therefore budget for the following:

• Medical patients can request a prescription on zazaxpress.com and use the code ZAZA to save 50% on the platform fee.
• The cost of cannabis: Pharmacy prices vary depending on the strain, producer and pharmacy. The pharmacy can tell you current prices.

Even if you are paying out of pocket, cannabis from a pharmacy is quality-tested. Whether and how you can claim expenses for tax purposes is best clarified with a tax adviser.

What to Look for in an Online Provider

The telemedicine market is growing, and not all providers offer the same quality of service. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a reputable provider:

• Credentials and licensing: The provider should be based in Germany or the EU and clearly state that all its doctors are licensed to practise in Germany. A clear legal notice and privacy policy are essential.
• Transparent pricing: All medical fees and any additional service charges must be clearly disclosed in advance. Hidden costs are a warning sign.
• Ongoing medical support: A good platform does more than churn out prescriptions. It should offer follow-up appointments to adjust your treatment and prioritise genuine medical care.
• Product range and choice of pharmacy: Check whether pharmacies offer a broad selection of products from different producers. Ideally, you should be free to choose which pharmacy fills your prescription.
• Discretion: Orders should arrive in plain packaging to protect your privacy.

Zazapass and Medical Cannabis in Germany

Zazapass lists smoking lounges and 420 events in Germany; you can find all current venues on our Locations page. For the medical route, ZazaXpress offers medical treatment via telemedicine and, with a valid prescription, express pickup or delivery* in selected cities. Medical treatment and recreational offers are two separate systems.

Separately from the medical route, Zazapass lists 420-friendly lounges in Hamburg, Berlin, Bremen, Stuttgart, Munich, Kaiserslautern, Wiesbaden, Worms and Neu-Isenburg. A lounge and the medical route via ZazaXpress are two separate paths. A lounge listing is no promise of sales or consumption on site; always check the house rules and the rules that apply.

Each venue independently decides whether to admit a visitor, in accordance with its own rules and applicable law, and may refuse admission.

The Medpass reflects our interest in supporting clear, lawful access information. It is not a medical prescription, pharmacy service or club membership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Am I guaranteed a prescription?

No. A prescription is not guaranteed. It can only be issued after medical treatment and once all criteria are met, and the treating doctor alone decides. Express pickup or delivery* is only possible with a valid prescription. Availability, delivery times and pickup depend on location and pharmacy.

Do I need a referral to get a cannabis prescription online?

No. As this is a private medical service that you pay for yourself, you do not need a referral from your GP. You can register directly with a telemedicine platform.

How long is a cannabis prescription valid?

Validity depends on the type of prescription. Ask your doctor or pharmacy. Since cannabis was removed from the narcotics regulations, the earlier short narcotics-prescription deadline no longer applies.

Can I drive while taking medical cannabis?

This is a very important and complex issue. In principle, yes: as a patient, you can drive if you are stable on your medication and your ability to drive is not impaired. If the police stop you, you must be able to prove that you possess and use cannabis legally, for example with a copy of your prescription or a patient ID card. However, if you are involved in an accident or draw attention through unsafe driving, you could still face serious legal consequences. The rule is simple: never drive if you feel impaired. Always wait several hours after using cannabis.

What is the difference between cannabis from a pharmacy and a social club?

The difference is fundamental. Medical cannabis from a pharmacy is grown under pharmaceutical conditions, standardised to specific active ingredient levels and used to treat a medical condition. It is prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Cannabis from a cultivation association is intended for recreational use by adults resident in Germany (one membership per person). The quantities supplied are strictly limited. The two systems must be viewed as entirely separate, both legally and in terms of quality. You can learn more about how clubs and lounges work on our website.

In Short

The medical route via an online platform always starts with medical treatment. A prescription is not guaranteed: it can only be issued if the treating doctor decides so once all criteria are met. With a valid prescription, ZazaXpress offers express pickup or delivery* in selected cities. If you are considering cannabis treatment, talk to a doctor.

*Applies only with a valid prescription. A prescription is not guaranteed: it can only be issued after medical treatment and once all criteria are met. Processing time, availability, delivery times and pickup depend on location and pharmacy.