The National Council's Social Security and Health Committee (SGK-N) referred the draft of the Siegenthaler parliamentary initiative (20.473) back to the subcommittee for revision on May 7, 2026. The Swiss Hemp Association (IG Hanf Schweiz) supports this step but calls for swift action, a clear timetable, and a binding follow-up solution for the pilot projects. Any further delay will only strengthen the black market.
On May 7, 2026, the National Council's Social Security and Health Committee (SGK-N) reviewed the consultation results and, due to numerous proposed amendments, sent the draft back to the subcommittee. From the perspective of the Swiss Hemp Association (IG Hanf Schweiz), this is understandable, but the matter must not be allowed to drag on.
Every month without regulation strengthens the black market.
Adjustments to the draft are advisable to ensure the proposal can garner a majority and be effectively implemented. However, one thing is clear: as long as a legal framework is lacking, consumers will remain without quality control, effective youth protection, and outside of any state oversight. Only the illegal market will benefit.
Pilot trials: a follow-up solution is essential
The ongoing pilot projects provide the empirical basis for evidence-based regulation. If they are discontinued without a structured transition, valuable data, functioning structures, and investments will be lost. This would represent a setback for consumer protection, research, and enforcement. The Swiss Hemp Association (IG Hanf Schweiz) therefore calls for a binding follow-up solution that seamlessly builds upon the current trials.
Clear mandate for the subcommittee
Parliamentary initiative 20.473 presents an evidence-based proposal that prioritizes youth protection and public health while aiming to curb the black market. The Swiss Hemp Association (IG Hanf Schweiz) expects the subcommittee to commence deliberations swiftly and with a clear timetable, to constructively involve the cantons in the implementation process, and to establish a binding follow-up solution for the pilot projects. Equally important is maintaining adherence to the core objectives of youth protection, public health, and combating the black market.
"The rejection is not a restart, but a mandate for improvement. The crucial point now is that the regulation is designed to be acceptable to a majority, enforceable, and effective against the black market." This requires a clear timetable and a binding follow-up solution for the pilot projects.», says Renato Auer, Member of the Board and Media Officer of IG Hanf Schweiz.
Regulation is only effective if it is practical in practice, actually reaches consumers, and offers a credible legal alternative to the illegal market.
Link to the SGK-N press release from May 08, 2026: Electronic health record: Cantons must agree on a common system (Point 2 of the press release)
Link to the evaluation report of the consultation: Consultation report 20.473 8.5.26 D.pdf
Analysis by the IG Hanf (Hemp Interest Group) regarding the consultation process: Cannabis Products Act: What the consultation on the CanPG really reveals – IG Hanf Schweiz
About IG Hanf Schweiz IG Hanf Schweiz is the industry association of the Swiss cannabis industry. It advocates for evidence-based, health-oriented and economically viable regulation of cannabis in Switzerland.
Contact to the media
IG Hanf Schweiz, Renato Auer, Member of the Board and Media Officer, renato.auer@ighanf.ch