The professional association warns that if the planned legalization comes about, there will be a conflict. Although the pharmacists are technically suitable, they see themselves as “medical professionals” and do not want to compete with commercial drug dealers.
Pharmacists are resisting the federal government’s plans to allow recreational cannabis. The Drug Commission of German Pharmacists has clearly spoken out against it and warned of the health risks, said the head of the North Rhine Pharmacists’ Association, Thomas Preis Rheinische Post. “The pharmacies see themselves in a medical conflict with the planned legalization of cannabis.”
On the one hand, because of their technical expertise, they are ideally suited to meet the necessary high quality standards in the delivery and consultation. “On the other hand, pharmacists are healthcare professionals.” In addition, Preis does not like the fact that he and his colleagues will be competing with drug dealers in the future: “A possible competitive situation with purely commercial providers is also viewed particularly critically,” he said.
On Wednesday, the federal government approved the cornerstones of a reform presented by Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD). Among other things, it stipulates that cannabis products may only be sold in “licensed specialist shops” and possibly pharmacies in the future. Advertising should be banned, as should mail order. There should also be maximum quantities that may be dispensed.
He does not assume that legalization will come quickly in Germany, says pharmacist lobbyist Preis. “Because the biggest hurdle remains international and EU law.” At European level, for example, the so-called Schengen Protocol stipulates “to prevent the illegal export of narcotics of all kinds, including cannabis products, as well as the sale, procurement and delivery of these funds using administrative and criminal law means”.