Medical Cannabis in Bremen: Medical Treatment & Delivery*

Medical Cannabis in Bremen: Medical Treatment, Pickup and Delivery*

Hello, Bremen! Wondering how medical cannabis works here? Legal changes over the past few years have made the process simpler for doctors and patients. This guide explains how medical treatment works, what options are available and what you should keep in mind.

*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.

The Current Situation for Medical Cannabis in Bremen

The key distinction to understand is this: Germany's Cannabis Act (CanG) of 2024 regulates private cultivation and collective cultivation through cultivation associations (Cannabis Social Clubs) for recreational use. Medical cannabis has been governed by its own law, the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG), since 1 April 2024.

Medical cannabis is no longer classified as a narcotic. Doctors can prescribe it using a standard prescription, and there is less paperwork for everyone involved. Whether cannabis treatment is suitable for you is decided solely by your treating doctor. A prescription is only issued once all criteria are met. You then obtain the medication from a pharmacy.

How Medical Treatment Works in Bremen

Any licensed doctor, except dentists and vets, may prescribe medical cannabis. You do not necessarily need to see a specialist, so you can also ask your GP.

What are the requirements?

Cannabis used to be considered a treatment of last resort. That is no longer the case. Today, the decision rests with your doctor. If they believe cannabis could help with your symptoms and other treatments are not effective enough or cause excessive side effects, they can issue a prescription after medical treatment. There is no entitlement to one, and there is no fixed list of eligible conditions. Treatment often focuses on relieving symptoms such as:

• Chronic pain
• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety and depression
• Migraine
• Spasticity (for example, in multiple sclerosis)
• Nausea (for example, during chemotherapy)

Be open and honest at your appointment. Explain your symptoms, what you have already tried and why you think cannabis might be a good option for you. Many doctors are now more open to discussing it, although some remain hesitant. Do not let that discourage you.

Online Doctors and Telemedicine: Medical Treatment from Home

Haven't found a suitable doctor in Bremen, or would you prefer a quick, discreet option? Telemedicine can be an option. Platforms specialising in medical cannabis treatment offer treatment online.

You first fill in an online questionnaire; a video call with the doctor is voluntary. Treatment requests are usually processed within 15 to 60 minutes*. The doctors have experience in cannabis therapy.

One option is zazaxpress.com. There you complete the medical questionnaire beforehand and receive medical treatment. Whether you receive a prescription is decided solely by the doctor, after treatment and only if all criteria are met. If a prescription is issued, your medicine is then ready for pickup at the pharmacy or can be delivered*.

ZazaXpress in Bremen: Bremen is one of the cities where ZazaXpress offers express pickup or delivery*. A valid prescription is required. Availability, delivery times and pickup depend on location and pharmacy.

Medical patients can request a prescription on zazaxpress.com and use the code ZAZA to save 50% on the platform fee.

Pharmacies and Delivery Services in Bremen

Once a valid prescription exists, you have two options:

1. A local pharmacy: You can take your prescription to any pharmacy in Bremen. The advantage is face-to-face advice. However, not every pharmacy keeps every strain or product, such as flower, extracts or oils, in stock. They will often need to order your medication, which can take some time.

2. Online pharmacies: This can be a discreet option. Submit your prescription online, and the pharmacy sends your medical cannabis to your home in plain packaging. Selection and prices vary from pharmacy to pharmacy.

How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost?

Cost is an important consideration. There are two types of prescription to distinguish between:

• Private prescription: This is the usual route, especially at the start. You pay for both the medical consultation (the platform fee with online providers) and the cannabis dispensed by the pharmacy. Pharmacy prices for cannabis flower vary depending on the strain and supplier.
• Prescription covered by statutory health insurance: In theory, Germany's statutory health insurance can cover the cost, but in practice there are still significant hurdles. You need to apply to your insurer and demonstrate that you have a serious medical condition and that no other recognised treatment is available or effective. Many applications are initially rejected. It can be a battle, but for patients who need large amounts of medication, it may be worthwhile.

Many patients start with a private prescription.

Medical Cannabis vs Cannabis Social Clubs in Bremen

In Germany there are two separate systems with different rules. It is important not to confuse them. The medical route is not an alternative for recreational use.

Medical cannabis:

• You need a doctor's prescription.
• You obtain it from a pharmacy.
• Its quality is checked to pharmaceutical standards (GMP).
• It is intended for therapeutic use.
• The quantities permitted depend on your doctor's prescription.

Cannabis from cultivation associations (Social Clubs):

• You must be at least 18 years old and have lived in Germany for at least six months (residence or habitual abode).
• You can only be a member of one cultivation association.
• You must register with a club and wait to be accepted.
• It is intended for recreational use.
• Distribution quantities are strictly limited (for example, a maximum of 25 grams per day and 50 grams per month).
• Consumption inside the club itself is prohibited.

Important for Bremen: Cultivation associations have been getting established since 2024, and it is a slow process. They are open to residents of Germany only, so they are not an option for visitors. Zazapass lists smoking lounges and 420 events in Germany; in Bremen these are currently the lounges Highway Bremen and Growbee Bremen. Check our Bremen page for more. Every venue independently decides admission under its own rules and applicable law and may refuse visitors.

Your medical prescription does not entitle you to enter a Social Club or obtain cannabis from one. These are two entirely separate systems.

Getting Around Bremen with Your Medication

If you carry your medical cannabis with you, a few precautions can give you peace of mind. Always keep it in its original pharmacy packaging. It is also strongly advisable to carry a copy of your current prescription or a letter from your doctor. That way, if you are checked, you can show that you possess your medication lawfully.

Driving is a sensitive issue. Being a patient does not exempt you from the law: driving under the influence of THC while unfit to drive is a criminal offence. The legal situation is complex. Although there is a THC limit, exceptions may apply to patients whose treatment has been stabilised under medical supervision and whose ability to drive is not impaired. We strongly recommend discussing this with your doctor. If in doubt, use public transport or leave the car at home.

Cannabis lounges in Bremen

Zazapass lists 2 lounges in Bremen:

• Highway Bremen
• Growbee Bremen

You do not need a Zazapass for lounges in Germany. These are venues with their own house rules; you cannot buy cannabis there, and cultivation associations are not lounges. Each venue decides under its own rules and applicable law whether and on what terms to admit a visitor, and may refuse a visitor. Bring valid photo ID: depending on the venue you must be 18+ or 21+. You can find current listings on the lounges page.

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 specific medical condition to get a cannabis prescription?

No, there is no longer a fixed list of eligible conditions. Your doctor makes the decision based on your individual symptoms and medical history. For example, if you have chronic pain, sleep problems or anxiety that is difficult to treat by other means, medical cannabis may be an option.

Can I enter a Cannabis Social Club with a prescription?

No, they are two separate things. Your doctor's prescription is only valid for buying medical cannabis from a pharmacy. Cannabis Social Clubs are intended for adult recreational use and have their own rules for joining.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of cannabis?

In exceptional cases, yes, but it is not the norm. You need to apply to your health insurer and provide evidence of a serious medical condition. Many patients pay for their medical cannabis themselves because the application process is lengthy and applications are often rejected.

What is the difference between CBD and cannabis containing THC?

Put simply, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the substance primarily responsible for the psychoactive effect, or "high". CBD (cannabidiol) does not produce a high, but is thought to have anti-inflammatory and anxiety-relieving properties. Your doctor can prescribe THC-only strains, CBD-only products or combinations of both active ingredients, depending on what is most suitable for your treatment.

How do I find a doctor in Bremen who prescribes cannabis?

You can ask your GP or specialist. However, not every doctor has experience in this area, so a telemedicine platform such as zazaxpress.com is often the easiest route. You can find doctors with experience in cannabis therapy without a lengthy search. A prescription is not guaranteed.

The Bottom Line for Bremen

Medical cannabis in Bremen 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 Bremen. Cultivation associations are a separate system open to residents only. Visit our locations page to see which cities are already up and running.

*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.