Legalization burdens healthcare system

Sun 8th Jan, 2023

Photo by Elsa OlofssonThe legalization of cannabis - as envisaged by the traffic light coalition in the federal government - would further burden the healthcare system, Holetschek warned, according to a statement on Sunday.

Between 2008 and 2020, the cases of inpatient psychoses treated in connection with cannabis would have increased more than tenfold - from 56 to 631 cases. In the outpatient sector, the number of psychoses rose from 1513 to 2007 cases between 2018 and 2020, it said. "This clearly shows that we need to put more effort into prevention and education instead of making cannabis legal," Holetschek said.

The CSU politician referred to examples from the USA: in states where cannabis had been legalized, the number of treatment cases had increased drastically. He said that this mistake should not be repeated in Germany.

"Politicians are obliged to also keep an eye on the costs of the healthcare system. Legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco already place a considerable burden on the system. It would be negligent if the legalization of cannabis were to add another source of burden," Holetschek argued.



Photo by Elsa Olofsson

 


Impact of E-Visit Billing on Patient Portal Messaging Volume

The implementation of billing for electronic visit (e-visit) services in response to patient-initiated messages has led to a noticeable decrease in the volume of these messages, according to recent...

Legal Initiatives Intensify Around Abortion Pill Access

Opposition to abortion in the United States is increasingly targeting medication as a method to terminate pregnancies, leading to a wave of lawsuits and legislative actions aimed at restricting access...

Record Surge in Dengue Cases Reported in the Americas Linked to Climate Change

Recent reports indicate a significant increase in dengue fever cases throughout the Americas, with health officials attributing this surge to the ongoing effects of climate change. The alarming rise...

More Quick Read Articles »
German PKV Insurance

German Private Health Insurance

Health Insurance in Germany is compulsory and sometimes complicated, not to mention expensive. As an expat, you are required to navigate this landscape within weeks of arriving, so check our FAQ on PKV. For our guide on resources and access to agents who can give you a competitive quote, try our PKV Cost comparison tool.

Hospitals

Hospital and Clinic Directory

Germany is famous for its medical expertise and extensive number of hospitals and clinics. See this comprehensive directory of hospitals and clinics across the country, complete with links to their websites, addresses, contact info, and specializations/services.

Events

Upcoming Events

Mein Jahr der Ruhe und Entspannung

Based on the novel by Ottessa Moshfegh, this theatrical performance tells the story of a woman who chooses to sleep through a year, rejecting the emptiness she perceives in her life and the art scene of New York. Disdainful of self-actualization, career pursuits, and social interactions, she embarks...