After several substances with a suspected psychoactive effect were listed in the Narcotics List Ordinance in spring 2023[1]On October 9, 2023, the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) banned a further 10 individual substances and one group of substances at the request of Swissmedic in order to combat the misuse of new synthetic substances as narcotics.[2]

A group of substances consisting of synthetic cannabinoids as well as the individual substances HHCP, delta-9-THCP, delta-8-THCP, H4CBD and other substances will require a permit in Switzerland from October 9, 2023 and may not be manufactured, traded or sold.[3] Authorizations can be applied for for industrial and scientific use (Article 7, paragraph 2 in conjunction with Articles 4 and 5 of the Narcotics Act and Narcotics Ordinance-EDI, Annex 6, List e). Cannabinoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant, such as CBD, CBC and CBG, are not affected by the ban.[4]

The repeated listing of synthetic cannabinoids by the EDI makes it clear that the problem has not been effectively resolved since 2011.[5] Effective health protection can only be ensured in a regulated market for hemp and hemp products.

Sensible cannabis regulation forms the basis for youth and consumer protection, quality assurance, combating the black market and the sustainable development of the Swiss hemp industry.

[1] HHC in Switzerland listed in the BetmVV directory – IG Hanf Schweiz

[2] Health risks from designer drugs: continued psychoactive substances banned (swissmedic.ch)

[3] AS 2023 569 – Ordinance of the EDI on the lists of narcotics, psychotropic substances, precursors and auxiliary chemicals (Narcotics List Ordinance, BetmVV-EDI) (admin.ch)

[4] However, the synthesis of CBN and Delta-8-THC requires a permit.

[5] Since December 2011, 287 individual substances and 15 groups (derivatives) have been included in the list e (Annex 6) of the Narcotics List Ordinance