Legal & Regulatory

Switzerland and its experiments on a controversial subject

Switzerland has previously had a relatively progressive stance towards drugs. In the 90s, it was one of the first countries to trial a harm reduction stance towards heroin. However, now that cannabis legalization is progressing around the world, Switzerland is finding itself left behind. Only now is it beginning to address the issue as it rolls out a pilot program to trial regulatory relaxations.

In the 1990s, Switzerland was one of the countries that initiated a harm reduction movement among heroin users. Today, the country is also rethinking its cannabis policy.

In this context, several municipalities in Switzerland are pushing to experiment with more progressive cannabis regulation models, and civil society is advocating for law reform. This country report, produced as part of the New Approaches to Harm Reduction Policies and Practices project, examines the past, present, and future of cannabis policy in Switzerland.

In the meantime, you can legally buy and search for legal CBD in Switzerland on sites known for their quality customer service, selection of CBD cannabis strains, and for the quality of their CBD products. Due to the legalization of CBD cannabis with less than 1% THC, Swiss consumers can make the most of the many benefits of CBD legally.

You can also follow the latest developments in the world of cannabis and CBD by downloading our companion Hemp.im cannabis news app.

Switzerland and cannabis in general

Current cannabis policy in Switzerland faces many challenges:

  • unsatisfactory drug law enforcement with respect to people who use cannabis
  • a highly visible and legal CBD cannabis market
  • attempts by cantons and cities to conduct drug experiments
  • growing demand for medical cannabis.

These many challenges should indicate that Switzerland may change its policy in the not too distant future.

Federal authorities can’t ignore calls for policy change

Some cities and cantons in Switzerland play an important role in the current situation, making it difficult for federal authorities to ignore their calls for policy change. The decision to rely on the only legal route provided by federal law (scientific trials) has somewhat limited the scope of action, with projects that are often small-scale scientific experiments oriented toward public health.

At the national level, the most likely and immediate change that can be expected at this point is to the narcotics law, after which non-medical testing of cannabis would be allowed. However, it is not clear whether this proposal will be able to gain the support of a parliamentary majority.

It is possible that several of the problems with cannabis policy (problems with enforcement of the current law, regulation of the CBD market, increasing demand for medical cannabis, etc.) could trigger a partial revision of the narcotics law.

But instead of making the big change, this would solve the problems one by one. This option is not discussed, but it is still the default model.

Is Switzerland preparing a law to legalize the recreational use of cannabis?

Are Swiss lawmakers finalizing a law to legalize the cultivation and sale of cannabis for adult use? Some media reports indicate yes. However, this is a pilot program. Although full legalization is still a long way off, it has been said in some media that Swiss politicians have already put in place a law that will temporarily allow some Swiss people to grow and sell cannabis for recreational purposes as a pilot program.

The House of the Swiss Federal Assembly has passed a bill that would create a pilot program to study the feasibility of full-scale legalization of cannabis. If the bill becomes law, adults at least 18 years old would be able to legally purchase and use marijuana grown in Switzerland if they sign up to participate in a five-year experiment.

If the experiment is to last five years, you can get used to the idea that legalization is still a long, long way off. While the Swiss can sign up and their data will remain in the realm of privacy, Swiss authorities will be able to monitor and review what these people are doing with cannabis, and they will be informed at work that this person is part of an experimental marijuana program. Similarly, a cap is placed on the THC of each plant: it cannot exceed 20%!

In short, this scientific process is expected to last five years, which could be extended for another two years, and the evidence gathered is expected to provide scientific arguments for a national debate on whether to legally regulate cannabis for adult consumers.

__

(Featured image by  via UnsJanosch Diggelmann via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Hemp.im, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in InfoTravel, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Hemp.im assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Hemp.im is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.

Eva Wesley

Eva Wesley is an experienced journalist, market trader, and financial executive. Driven by excellence and a passion to connect with people, she takes pride in writing think pieces that help people decide what to do with their investments. A blockchain enthusiast, she also engages in cryptocurrency trading. Her latest travels have also opened her eyes to other exciting markets, such as aerospace, cannabis, healthcare, and telcos.

Recent Posts

Women Represent 61% of Home Cannabis Growers in the U.S.

A survey found that women comprise 61% of home cannabis growers, marking a diversion from…

4 days ago

Denmark Proposes Making Its Medical Cannabis Program Permanent

Denmark plans to make its pilot medical cannabis program permanent following its success in treating…

5 days ago

Polish Lawmakers Petition Donald Tusk for Cannabis Decriminalization

Polish lawmakers have submitted a non-binding petition to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, urging cannabis decriminalization…

2 weeks ago

The UK Medical Cannabis Market: Growth, Diversification, and Opportunities

The UK medical cannabis market has rapidly grown since legalization in 2018, with private actors…

2 weeks ago

Alcohol & Cannabis: 60% of Cannabis Users Say It Helps Them Drink Less

A new study involving over 23,000 participants in New Zealand found that 60% of people…

2 weeks ago

French Interior and Justice Ministers Announce Measures to Combat Organized Crime

The French Ministers of the Interior and Justice announced a comprehensive plan to tackle organized…

2 weeks ago