Media release of the IG Hanf on Parliamentary Initiative 20.473 | Regulation of the cannabis market for better youth and consumer protection
Bern, February 14, 2025 – The National Council's Social Security and Health Committee (SGK-N) has taken a significant step and adopted the draft law to regulate cannabis. The consultation process is about to begin. This is a significant opportunity to establish a new social approach to cannabis, curb the black market and support responsible use of cannabis by decriminalizing consumers.
A historic moment
"The Health Commission's involvement in the deal is a historic moment for Swiss cannabis policy. It shows that there is political will to effectively combat the black market and strengthen consumer safety," says Elias Galantay, President of IG Hanf. "We welcome this step and will carefully examine the draft law after publication in order to support fact-based, responsible regulation."
An opportunity for Switzerland as a business location
Regulating the cannabis market would open up economic opportunities for Swiss companies - especially in agriculture -, strengthen Switzerland as a location for innovation and generate additional tax revenues that benefit society. Sensible cannabis regulation also forms the indispensable basis for youth and consumer protection, combating the black market and the sustainable development of the Swiss hemp industry, which consists predominantly of small and medium-sized companies. Through targeted regulation, the potential of the cannabis plant can be exploited and Switzerland can act as a pioneer worldwide for an adequate regulatory model.
Our central concerns
The IG Hanf advocates for a regulation that:
- strengthens youth protection and effective prevention measures to prevent young people from accessing drugs and minimise the risks of consumption,
- creates fiscal transparency to establish a legal, transparent market that opens up economic opportunities for Swiss companies and generates tax revenue,
- promotes an innovative market environment that enables Switzerland to play a pioneering role in Europe,
- defines clear quality standards and protects both consumers and producers,
- aims for a flexible model that effectively curbs the black market and focuses on responsible consumption.
The IG Hanf will analyze the draft law in detail and submit a comprehensive statement as part of the consultation process. Its aim is to put forward constructive suggestions in order to create effective, sustainable and future-oriented regulation.
Link to the press release of the Health Commission (DE / FR / IT / ENG): Comprehensive regulation of cannabis
Media Contact: Benjamin Foro
+41 76 454 69 79 | benjamin.foro@ighanf.ch
About IG Hanf: IG Hanf is the lobby group for the Swiss cannabis industry. It is committed to an evidence-based drug policy that reconciles health protection, economic development and social responsibility.
Position paper of the IG Hanf Schweiz: Position paper IG Hanf on cannabis regulation – IG Hanf Switzerland