Germany is the European leader in medicinal cannabis access. Around 750,000 to 900,000 German residents now treat their conditions with medical cannabis in 2025. That’s more than any other European nation. The wider legalisation of cannabis has changed social attitudes to its use as a medicine, as well opening up opportunities such as medicinal cannabis paid for by health insurance. But what conditions are these people treating? 

Well, cannabis has been widely used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Apart from anything else, it is widely recognised as an effective painkiller. Just how effective has been up for debate. However, recent studies show it can be both more effective and less harmful than opioid medications in many cases. The psychoactive nature of the medication can has also shown promise in treating mental conditions, like ADHD, eating disorders and insomnia, among other things. But what are the most commonly prescribed for among German patients?

Managing Chronic Pain of Various Kinds 

The most common reason for German patients to seek a cannabis prescription is for chronic pain. Around 70% of medical cannabis scripts across the country are for pain management. 

Although cannabis is not as as potent – the measure of efficacy in ratio to dosage – as opioids and other common pharmacological painkillers, the research suggests the side effects and possible drawbacks are more manageable for patients.

Some studies have shown a substantial improvement in reported pain in 35% of patients treated for such conditions. But it’s not just pain relief. Many patients report a better quality of life and mental well being when treating with cannabis, compared to pharmaceutical painkillers. 

The dopaminergic properties of cannabis can also be useful in treating chronic pain. While many painkillers focus on blocking the pain, cannabis has shown – in clinical outcomes – to elevate patients mood levels to a point that is useful in mentally managing chronic, incurable pain disorders. 

Gastrointestinal and Eating Disorders

According to some datasets, around 5% of cannabis prescriptions in Germany are for patients with stomach, food or digestion related issues. The endocannabinoid system is key in regulating appetite, digestion and other gastric functions, and cannabis can be a potent anti-emetic (anti nausea).

Anyone who has ever just seen a stoner movie knows about the munchies, and certain medical patients do use cannabis to treat appetite related issues. Some of the conditions that fall under this category and can currently be prescribed cannabis for include:

  • Low appetite in anorexics
  • Nausea and severe vomiting
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease
  • Severe appetite issues in patients with other serious conditions

Because of the slightly varying psychoactive properties of different strains of cannabis, and the range of effects in can have on individual patients, it is vital to discuss with a clinical provider the exact kind of condition you need treating. 

But, outside of that, there are more than 600 different cannabis medicines available on the German market. The various strains of flower range from Indicas to Sativas or hybrids, to high CBD or high THC and even balanced options. 

 Although a clinician can recommend you a choice, finding a specific strain cannabis flower is also somewhat down to personal taste and preference. Comparison sites with information on each strain available, and (anecdotal of course) reviews of their various effects, can help you pick the right option for your needs.

Cannabis Has Shown Promise for Neurological and Muscle Disorders 

Multiple sclerosis is the second most common ailment prescribed medical cannabis for in Germany. Around 5% of cannabis prescriptions are for this often debilitating condition. Other spasticity related conditions, or involuntarily muscle movements and jerking, take up 10% of patients.

Aside from chronic pain management, cannabis has shown in studies to relax muscles. This can decrease spasticity in patients with MS. Other conditions that cause spasticity include cerebral palsy, a stroke, a traumatic brain injury or various genetic disorders. 

Although only small percentage of prescriptions in Germany – less than 1% – medical cannabis has proven to be a lifechanging treatment for some people with severe forms of drug resistant epilepsy. Medical cannabis is also being studied as a treatment for tics in individuals with severe tourretes, and in the involuntary shaking associated with Parkinson’s Disease. 

Mental Health and Attention Disorders Show Promise 

The final most common reason to be prescribed medical cannabis among Germans is for mental health reasons. Around 3% of prescriptions are for this reason. 

The science is the least clear one some of these conditions and in nearly all cases it is not a first-line treatment. But, in some studies, patients report short term relief from anxiety and chronic stress.

Some mental health disorders and conditions that cannabis has shown some promise in treating include:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Depression
  • PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Insomnia 

Interestingly, the potential for cannabis as a mental health treatment have been shown to be highly dose dependent. In one study of patients with depression, short term, lower doses were shown to be therapeutic while high doses could sometimes worsen outcomes. That should only encourage clinical applications, to discourage self medication on the black market.