MEDCAN featured on the SRF program "Gesundheit heute"

Two people affected – two voices from MEDCAN

In the program, Simon, Vice President of MEDCAN and suffering from multiple sclerosis, and Franziska, President of MEDCAN and paraplegic as a result of a paragliding accident, speak openly about their personal experiences with cannabis in medicine.

Both impressively demonstrate,

• what therapeutic benefits cannabis can have in everyday life
• how difficult the path to care often remains despite a doctor's prescription

At the same time, their stories are encouraging: Both were able to significantly improve their quality of life – and they are noticeably better off today.

Simon: Fewer medications – but high out-of-pocket costs

Simon lives with multiple sclerosis. Thanks to cannabis therapy, he was able to discontinue many other medications. Today, he treats the side effects of his illness exclusively with vaporized cannabis flowers.

For him, this therapy is effective and well-tolerated. It brings him greater stability, fewer burdensome side effects from previous medications, and overall a better quality of life.

However, Simon receives no reimbursement. To this day, he has to pay for his cannabis medication entirely out of pocket. This results in high monthly costs, which represent an enormous financial burden for chronically ill people.

This situation affects many people – and it's not fair. Effective, medically prescribed therapy should not depend on personal income.

Franziska: Support changes everything

In contrast, Franziska's situation is different. She is one of the few patients whose medical cannabis therapy is covered by accident insurance.

This coverage of costs has fundamentally changed her life. Today, she can obtain her cannabis medication 100% legally through a pharmacy. This means security, medical support, and above all, enormous relief in her daily life.

Her quality of life has also improved significantly thanks to the therapy. Pain, spasticity, and accompanying symptoms are better controlled – her everyday life has become more stable, predictable, and worth living.

This experience shows what is possible when therapy is not only permitted, but also actually made accessible.

MEDCAN on TV: Visibility for patients

The fact that Simon and Franziska were able to contribute their perspectives to this program is crucial for us. As representatives of a patient organization, we make visible what statistics and legal texts don't show: the everyday reality, the obstacles – and the effects when cannabis is used correctly.

The article makes it clear: Cannabis in medicine is already a reality – it now needs to be structurally recognized and supported.

Additional interview: Expert analysis from pharmacy and research

A more in-depth interview with the following person was published to complement the broadcast:

• Simon Nicolussi, pharmacist specializing in cannabis in medicine
• Prof. Rudolf Brenneisen, internationally recognized cannabis researcher

The discussion objectively categorizes quality, application, active ingredients, dosage and regulatory issues – an important contribution to bringing objectivity to the debate.

Our stance as MEDCAN

We are committed to ensuring that:

• Patients receive fair, safe and affordable access
• Doctors and pharmacies are better informed and networked
• medical use remains clearly separate from Recreational Consumption
• Incorporating practical experience into healthcare provision and policy

Cannabis in medicine is not a fringe topic – it's about quality of life for many people.

If you would like to support fair access to medical cannabis, become a member of MEDCAN or help us with a donation. Together we strengthen the voice of patients in politics and the public sphere.