The year 2024 was marked by the continued development of comprehensive cannabis regulation in Switzerland.

Work on a Swiss cannabis law made clear progress in 2024. The Subcommittee on Cannabis Regulation (SUBKO) is working on the draft law together with the Federal Office of Public Health. We are eagerly awaiting the consultation process next year. This phase offers a historic opportunity to shape an innovative and future-oriented drug policy.

"It is high time to create a cannabis policy that protects both consumer protection and public interests. The illegal structures must be replaced by clear legal regulations."Elias Galantay, President of IG Hanf

First results of Swiss cannabis pilot trials published

Parallel to these political developments, first results of the ongoing pilot tests for the controlled distribution of cannabis in cities such as Lausanne, Zurich, Bern, Geneva and Basel.[2] Switzerland is taking an evidence-based approach to hemp and cannabis policy and is relying on scientifically supported model experiments to better understand the effects of regulated distribution.

The previous Results are encouraging and show that the regulated distribution of cannabis helps to divert some users away from the black market and gives them access to safe, controlled products. However, it remains clear that the pilot projects currently only cover a small part of the population.[3] There are currently seven pilot projects underway, offering space for up to 18.615 participants.

Update Pilot Tests 2024

• The study Zurich Can (City of ZH) showed the first Results and the number of participants was recently increased from 2100 to 3000. At the start of sales, five products were offered: three flower products and two hash products with different THC/CBD contents. The range is to be expanded to 13 products in the future (10 flowers, 3 hash varieties). So far, around 46 sales have been made. A total of 350 kg of cannabis products were sold in 394 78-gram packages verkauft.
• In February 2024, the second site of the study was Grashaus Projects (Sanity Group Switzerland AG, Basel Land, up to 3950 participants) opened. 
• The Weed Care study (Basel City, 374 places), which was originally supposed to last 2.5 years until July 2025, will be extended by a further 1.5 years until January 2027. The study has presented results while continuing to research lower-risk consumption. The product range at Weed Care is also being expanded expanded. There are also two e-liquids and two tinctures. The experiment is at full capacity.
• The study SCRIPT the University of Bern is in April 2024 gestartetA maximum of 1091 people can participate in SCRIPT. The trial is well booked.
• This year is Cannabis Research Zurich Switzerland's largest pilot project to date gestartet. There are currently 3200 participants registered. The trial has space for up to 7500 participants.
• In Lausanne (Can-L) and in Geneva (La Cannabinothèque), Frank Zobel, Vice Director of Addiction Switzerland, and Ruth Dreifuss, former Federal Councillor, accompany these groundbreaking initiatives, which offer space for around 2700 participants.
• Further information on the pilot tests can be found here: Overview of the approved pilot projects

Positive media response

Several contributions from SRF News and other media[4] have examined the topic of cannabis pilot trials in depth and highlighted the positive reactions of the test subjects in the pilot projects. They particularly value legal access to cannabis because the quality of the products is guaranteed. In addition, there have been no incidents to date that could call the procedure into question. Quite the opposite: the media presence of the pilot trials not only promotes public debate, but also breaks down existing prejudices. By scientifically monitoring the distribution of cannabis and providing the participants with professional support, the pilot trials make a decisive contribution to social acceptance.

"This neither glorifies consumption nor trivializes an addictive substance. The problem requires more contemporary, more agile answers. In the best case, the study results will help to ease tensions, and we as a society will take a small step towards the long overdue legalization of cannabis."
Cedric Fröhlich, commentary on the Bern cannabis study | Der Bund

Swiss Cannabis Model – International Legal Dimension

With its cannabis model, Switzerland is demonstrating that regulation is possible that also complies with the United Nations' international drug conventions. These conventions leave room for health-oriented approaches, particularly in the areas of prevention and harm reduction. By continuing its proven four-pillar policy By pursuing a holistic approach – which consists of prevention, therapy, harm reduction and repression – and by using an evidence-based approach, it creates a solid foundation for internationally pioneering model for cannabis regulation to develop.[5].

Continue pilot projects, create clear rules for licensed cannabis sales

With the findings from the pilot tests and the work of the subcommission, Switzerland will take another significant step towards a controlled and safe cannabis market in 2025. In addition to the pilot tests, those responsible are also creating a legal basis for the licensed production and distribution of cannabis in specialised shops.

[1] IG Hanf welcomes new members of the subcommittee “Cannabis Regulation” and stresses the urgency of rapid regulation – IG Hanf Schweiz

[2] Swiss cannabis pilot trials raise eyebrows

[3] SRF News Videos Cannabis sold in a controlled and good quality manner – Play SRF

[4] Cannabis study by the city of Zurich: City draws a positive conclusion – News – SRF, Switzerland aktuell – La Cannabinothèque: Regulated access to cannabis – Play SRF, Sucht Schweiz sees cannabis trials on track – Audio & Podcasts – SRF

[5] (PDF) A treaty obligation to harm reduction? Non-medical Cannabis & International Law: Compliance & Controversies [Poster, Lisbon Addictions]