Medical Cannabis and Driving License

Medical cannabis is increasingly used to treat a variety of health conditions, from chronic pain and multiple sclerosis to epilepsy. While it provides relief for many patients, the question of driving ability under the influence of cannabis raises important safety concerns.

Cannabis can affect cognitive and motor functions, making driving potentially dangerous. Main effects include slowed reaction times, impaired coordination, blurred vision, and difficulties with multitasking. These effects can significantly impair driving ability, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.

In many countries, driving under the influence of cannabis is prohibited by law, similar to alcohol. Patients using medical cannabis are often bound by these laws, meaning they are not allowed to drive after consumption. Monitoring compliance can be challenging, as common drug tests (such as blood or saliva tests) do not always reliably distinguish between recent and past use.

It is important that patients prescribed medical cannabis receive thorough medical advice. They should be informed about the potential risks of cannabis use, particularly in relation to driving, and clear guidelines should be established regarding the period of driving impairment after consumption.

Ultimately, both patients and healthcare professionals share responsibility for ensuring that the use of medical cannabis does not pose a risk to road safety. This requires careful consideration and adjustment of treatment plans to maintain safety and health without unnecessarily restricting mobility.

Legal Situation in Germany

In Germany, the use of medical cannabis has been legal since 2017 when prescribed by a doctor. This has helped many patients whose conditions are otherwise difficult to treat. However, its use in relation to driving and holding a driver’s license presents certain legal challenges.

The German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) and Road Traffic Act (StVG) prohibit driving under the influence of psychoactive substances – this includes medical cannabis, even when legally prescribed.

For cannabis patients in Germany, this means they risk losing their driving license if they drive under the influence. Patients who regularly take medical cannabis are not automatically excluded from driving, but they must be able to prove that their medication and dosage do not impair their driving ability.

It is essential that patients understand and comply with the laws and regulations regarding medical cannabis and driving. Non-compliance can result not only in the loss of the driver’s license but also in legal penalties. Close cooperation with the treating physician is crucial to ensure that treatment does not compromise mobility or legal compliance.

Webinar

We offer a monthly webinar for all our patients on the topic "Medical Cannabis and Driving License"(prices on request). The webinar covers studies on driving safety, police checks, and medical-psychological assessments (MPU), as well as the differences between criminal offenses and administrative violations in relation to THC detection in the blood. Registration is available via our website under Appointment Booking – Webinar.