Switzerland Launches a First Pilot Trial for the Legal Sale of Cannabis

The canton of Basel City is launching the first pilot trial for the sale of cannabis for non-medical purposes in Switzerland. The project, which will launch on September 15, was announced last Thursday and will see 370 people participate for more than two years.

To follow the development of this story, along with all the latest in legalization, lifestyle, and science and medical discoveries, download our free cannabis news app.

Medical Cannabis Currently Authorized in Switzerland

In Switzerland, only the sale of cannabis for medical purposes is currently authorized, as well as the sale for non-medical purposes when the THC content (the psychotropic substance in cannabis) is less than 1%.

However, hashish is prohibited regardless of its THC content. Cannabis consumption is nevertheless widespread, and the black market is flourishing, according to the Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP).

Trial to Provide Switzerland with “Lessons” in Controlled Cannabis

The FOPH has decided to authorize pilot trials for the controlled supply of cannabis for non-medical purposes in order to provide lessons on the effects of controlled access to cannabis.

In particular, Switzerland will be interested in looking into the health of consumers, their consumption habits, or even the black market, with the aim of defining future legislation based on scientific evidence.

First Trials to Take Place in Basel-City

The first trial is taking place in the canton of Basel City, which has named its pilot program “WEED CARE.” Switzerland also plans other trials in Zurich and Lausanne in the coming months.

“Registration for the study is open as of today,” said the canton of Basel-City in a press release. About 370 people can participate in the project, which will end in March 2025.

Trial participants must be of legal age, have already used cannabis, and be domiciled in the canton.

Six Products to Go on Trial

Six products – four products in the form of dried cannabis flowers and two other products made from hashish – will be sold in nine pharmacies, each with a different THC/CBD content.

The Basel authorities indicate that the price will be similar to that of the black market, between 8 and 12 Swiss francs (between 8.20 and 12.40 euros) per gram.

Throughout the study, participants will be regularly questioned, among other things, about their cannabis consumption habits and their physical and mental health.

Products to Be Sold Through Pharmacies or Specialized Outlets

In Basel City, the products will be sold in pharmacies, while Lausanne has chosen to sell them at a specialized point of sale. According to the Federal Office of Public Health, surveys have shown that a majority of the population in Switzerland is open to the idea of ​​fundamentally rethinking cannabis policy in the coming years.

On June 22, the Swiss government had already approved the lifting of the ban on cannabis for medical use, in order to facilitate its access to patients who will no longer need to ask the authorities for an exceptional authorization for its prescription by a doctor. 

—

(Featured image by Add Weed 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 by La Provence, 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.