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

 


Shortage of Specialists Leads to Closure of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Beds at Landesklinikum Mauer

The Landesklinikum Mauer is facing a significant challenge in its pediatric and adolescent psychiatry department, as a shortage of medical specialists has resulted in the closure of beds intended for...

Concerns Raised Over Staffing Conditions at Klinikum Horn

An anonymous letter submitted by a reader to a local news outlet has brought attention to alleged issues within the staffing situation at the Klinikum Horn and Waidhofen. The individual, who claims to...

Concerns Rise Over Generation Z's Shift from Reconstructive to Aesthetic Surgery

Recent findings from a comprehensive overview highlight a troubling trend within the field of plastic surgery, particularly as it pertains to the new generation of medical professionals. The European...

Long-Term Health Risks Linked to Severe COVID-19 Illness

Individuals who required hospitalization due to severe COVID-19 illness face a significantly elevated risk of developing serious health complications even 30 months after their recovery. A...

Concerns Raised Over Excessive Retinol in Cosmetic Products

Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, is commonly found in many beauty products marketed primarily for their anti-aging properties. However, the Association for Consumer Information (VKI) has issued...

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...

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

Circus Krone Winterprogramm

The Circus Krone Winter Program 2024/2025 is back, offering a spectacular experience for the whole family from December 25, 2024, to April 6, 2025. Held in the iconic Circus Krone building in Munich, the program kicks off on Christmas Day with two shows at 14:30 and 18:30. This year's lineup...