August 19, 2010 9:59 PM EDT
Germany goes to pot.
It will likely be the most popular measure taken by the German government in almost two years: changing a law to allow medical cannabis to be prescribed by doctors and distributed through pharmacies. The law was spearheaded by a small coalition party, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP).
A large majority of Germans are in favor of allowing medical cannabis for the treatment of severe and chronic pain, and diseases like multiple sclerosis. According to a poll conducted by the major polling company Emnid on behalf of the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines (ACM), 75 percent of the participants supported the application of marijuana.
Strong support came from people with a higher level of education, and the number was very similar among people who said they never used cannabis themselves. In addition, a majority of 65 percent said they would like to include the cannabis treatment in the catalogue of the health insurance system.
The law adjustment will end a long-running struggle between German politicians, doctors and health insurers over use of the now-proven herbal therapy for treating the pain stemming from diseases such as cancer.
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The lobby of pharma giants selling chemical painkillers are naturally not too happy about the cheaper and more healthy natural alternative, which will most probably push many of the artificial products (which can also lead to addiction) out of the market. The downside for large corporations is that cannabis can be easily produced nearly everywhere.
Germany's minister of health, Philipp Rösler, is struggling to find ways to keep exploding health care costs -- and especially rising prices for medicines -- in check. Replacing expensive (and heavily- patented) medicaments with cheaper alternatives is an important element of that strategy and arguably the main motivation for providing easier access to cannabis.
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