Two Weeks to Go: Cannabis Health Symposium Frankfurt to Examine Prescribing, Evidence and Treatment Costs

Opening Presentation: PharmCann Deutschland

Sandra Buchcik, sales director at PharmCann Deutschland AG, will open the presentations with an introduction to the headline partner and its approach to product quality – something she says “begins long before a product reaches the pharmacy.”

Germany’s Medical Cannabis Market

Dr Patrick Möbius, head of business intelligence at Grünhorn Group, will examine how prescribing changes, imports and competition are affecting Germany’s medical cannabis market.

The programme promises a closer look at “increasing competition and price pressure” and how demand differs between regions and products.

The Debate Over Online Prescribing

Bertan Türemis, CEO of bemedica; Dr Christiane Neubaur, managing director of the cannabis pharmacies association VCA; Tobias Bosse, chief commercial officer at Grünhorn Group; and Dr Julian Wichmann, CEO of Bloomwell, will debate remote consultations, patient safeguards and proposed restrictions on postal deliveries.

Cannabis Health examined these issues in a recent explainer on telemedicine in Germany.

Pharmaceutical Quality Across Europe

Ana Serrato, chair of ASTM International’s Cannabis Human Health Subcommittee and chairwoman of EUMCA; Tjalling Erkelens, chairman of Bedrocan International; and Silvia von Pistor, chief innovation officer at Canify, will examine differences in cannabis quality standards across borders.

Thediscussion will cover “batch to batch consistency”, including what happens when pharmacies substitute products and what assurances doctors can rely on.

How Standards Shape Cannabis Medicines

In a separate presentation, Ana Serrato will explain how voluntary standards influence cannabis cultivation, manufacturing and testing before they become legal requirements.

According to the programme, she will explore where these standards support pharmaceutical regulation and where they “fill gaps legislation has not reached”.

Endometriosis and Women’s Health

Dr Shabnam Sarshar, women’s health and cannabinoid therapeutics adviser at The Recalibration, and Sylvia Mechsner, physician and gynaecologist at Charité University Hospital, will examine cannabis use for endometriosis and gaps in research on women’s treatment.

The session will address “what patient-reported data can and cannot support”, according to the programme, alongside pain, sleep and differences in cannabinoid responses between women and men.

Prescribing Under Pressure

Antonia Menzel, chair of the executive board of the Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Cannabinoid Companies, will examine Germany’s insurance cuts and proposed restrictions on online prescribing and mail-order medicines.

Menzel says “the majority of patients still fund their treatment privately”. Her session will consider which patients are most affected, alternative treatments and how doctors should discuss new costs and changes to care.

Cannabinoids Versus Opioids

Michael Ueberall, medical director at the Center of Excellence in Health Care Research / Institute of Neurological Sciences, will examine the role of cannabinoid medicines in chronic pain treatment.

“Chronic pain does not need another ‘winning’ drug class,” he said. The presentation will consider whether cannabinoid medicines can deliver meaningful benefits for appropriately selected patients.

Evidence and Cannabis Policy

Professor Bernd Werse of Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences; Sita Schubert, general secretary of EUMCA; Dr Artur Schrörs, former head of Frankfurt’s Drugs Department; and Garvin Hirt, co-founder and CEO of Copeia, will discuss the evidence informing German cannabis policy.

The programme asks “who decides what counts as sufficient evidence”, including what local authorities can contribute and what doctors should rely on while research remains incomplete.

Pharmacists’ Responsibilities

Dr Christiane Neubaur, managing director of VCA, will examine pharmacists’ responsibilities for dispensing, preparing medicines, checking quality and advising patients.

“The situation facing patients is reflected in pharmacies,” she says.

Lessons From Other European Countries

Dirk Heitepriem, president of BvCW; José Tempero, director of international medical affairs at Tilray Medical; and Nitin Makadia, director of clinical service development at The Digital Health Assurance Company, will compare prescribing and pharmacy practice across Europe.

The panel will consider which lessons from other countries could help German healthcare professionals working under changing rules.

Networking and Booking

The event is intended for doctors, pharmacists, nurses, allied health professionals and researchers, alongside patient advocates and industry representatives.

Delegates will have time to meet colleagues during registration, lunch and networking breaks. A drinks reception for all delegates is scheduled for 6pm at Bloomwell’s offices.

Registration and coffee begin at 8.30am, with the welcome at 9.30am and sessions finishing at 4.30pm. Tickets include 12 months’ membership of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society.

The symposium takes place at Mainhaus, Frankfurt, on Wednesday 4 November. Delegates should check the event page before travelling, as the programme remains subject to change.

View the full programme and book your place here.