The cannabis industry is constantly changing and IG Hanf is always on the pulse of the times. In this letter you will find the most important news, dates and activities relating to the Swiss cannabis industry.
1. Current news
1.1. CBD cannabis: “Few active ingredients, some with pesticides”
K-Tipp tested CBD cannabis for pollutants and cannabinoids. In the K-Tipp test, it was noticed that manufacturers sometimes do not take the active ingredient content information very seriously and tend to overstate it. Toxic pesticides were found in three flowers. However, the approach used in the K-Tipp test leaves some question marks. Different product categories such as trim and flowers were compared in the classification, and the price was used as an indiscriminate criterion. In addition, only one category of pollutants, namely pesticides, was tested.
Link to the K-Tipp paid article: CBD hemp in the test: Few active ingredients, some with pesticides – Detail – Product tests – Tests – ktipp.ch. The entire article will be shared upon individual request.
1.2. The dirty secret of California's legal weed?
An investigation by LA Times and WeedWeek found that many cannabis products available in shops and dispensaries across the state contain alarming amounts of pesticides. The dirty, dangerous secret of California's legal weed – Los Angeles Times (archive.is)
Of the 42 legal cannabis products tested, 25 had levels of pesticides that were either above state allowable levels or exceeded federal standards for tobacco. These contaminants include chemicals linked to cancer, liver failure, thyroid disease and harm to users and unborn children.
The incidents make it clear that consumers need to be aware of the potential safety risks caused by pesticide contamination. The incidents are now also threatening waves of lawsuits from consumers.
There were also problems with recalls. California recalls cannabis vape months after it was told of contamination – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
1.3. Reporting requirement for hemp cultivation introduced in the canton of Uri
In the canton of Uri, people who want to grow ten or more hemp plants (< 1% THC) will have to report this to the cantonal police before sowing in the future (July 1.7.2024, XNUMX). The report must contain information on the variety, origin of the seed, expected THC content, cultivation area, responsible persons and intended use. This reporting requirement applies to both outdoor and indoor cultivation. A reporting form must be filled out and sent to the cantonal police. Further details and the form can be found on the website of the Canton of UriThe legality of this approach is questionable. Previous reporting and authorisation requirements were considered by the Federal Court as illegally assessed.
A similar reporting requirement exists in the cantons of Basel-Landschaft, Graubünden and St. Gallen, for example. The IG Hanf Schweiz is currently compiling an overview of the reporting requirements in Switzerland for hemp cultivation. The overview is expected to be published in summer 2024.
1.4. Review Marry Jane Messe Berlin
The interest in the trade fair was enormous and the organization was at times chaotic. There is great potential to place greater emphasis on health protection in the future. Innovation, regulation and a sense of responsibility will be crucial to promoting a sustainable and safe cannabis industry. Special thanks go to the industry association Cannabiswirtschaft eV for the successful organization of the cannabis conference. Here Click here to see the LinkedIn post of IG Hanf Schweiz.
The President of IG Hanf, Elias Galantay, participated in the panel "GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL NETWORKING - HOW CAN WE ACCELERATE A LONG-TERM CHANGE IN STRATEGY?" with Daniel Kruse (President EIHA), Dr. Callie Seaman (Cannabis Scientist), David Culver (President US Cannabis Council) and Dirk Heitepriem (President BvCW). The trade associations agree: A holistic approach and international cooperation are crucial. Only through cooperation can we create successful regulation. The long-term strategy focuses on the following aspects:
- harmonization of regulatory models
- Independent Evidence Gathering
- Uniform standards for quality assurance
- coordination of political demands
It was particularly pleasing to see many Swiss companies taking part in the fair. Their commitment and innovative strength show how important international cooperation is in this emerging industry.
1.5. BvCW – Report on the trade in cannabis seeds
The BvCW has published a report on the trade in cannabis seeds in Germany: ELEMENTS-41-Discussion paper-Cannabis seed trade.pdf (cannabiswirtschaft.de)
1.6. Cannabis clubs in Germany started on July 1, 2024
Since July 1, 2024, legal cannabis cultivation clubs can be approved in Germany. These non-commercial clubs can have up to 500 members and can grow and distribute cannabis for personal consumption. Strict conditions apply, including no advertising, no consumption zones on site and a minimum distance from schools and playgrounds. Members must have lived in Germany for at least six months and must not have a previous conviction for drug offenses. The Ministry of Health estimates that 1.000 clubs will be established in the first year and 500 each in the second to fifth years. Other estimates assume significantly more clubs. Cannabis clubs can start: These conditions apply – ZDFheute
July 1.7st: New THC blood limit confirmed in Germany
The Bundestag has confirmed a new THC limit of 3,5 nanograms (previously 1 nanogram) per milliliter of blood serum for drivers. If the limit is exceeded, a 500 euro fine and a one-month driving ban are threatened. Mixing alcohol with alcohol remains prohibited and is punished with higher penalties. There is a complete ban on cannabis while driving for novice drivers and those under 21. The limit is intended to promote the responsible use of cannabis and create legal clarity. Critics, however, fear a risk to road safety. Continued information is here a DAK Bungalow.
1.8. Information platform on hemp in agriculture published
The series “Hemp in Switzerland” on Agripedia offers comprehensive information for producers and processors of hemp. It covers topics such as agronomy, legal aspects, product selection and post-harvest processing. There are also interviews with experts who give tips and advice. Further chapters cover the value chain, Swiss legislation on hemp cultivation, especially on CBD and THC, and various hemp products on the market. The German version was recently launched. Link to Agridea's page: https://themes.agripedia.ch/series/hanf-in-der-schweiz/
2nd SCC round robin test participants wanted
The IG Hanf is planning another round robin test for cannabinoid analyses in the second half of 2 and is looking for additional laboratories. Members who have an analysis laboratory can register at this address: info@ighanf.ch
3rd General Assembly of Cannabis Consensus Switzerland
On June 10, 2024, the General Assembly of the Cannabis Consensus Switzerland Association took place in the Federal Palace. We congratulate the newly elected Board of the Cannabis Consensus Switzerland.
- Heinz Siegenthaler – Die Mitte / Le Centre
- Léonore Porchet – GREEN Switzerland / Les VERT-ES suisses
- Rosalina Müller – JUSO SCHWEIZ / JS SUISSE
- Julien Reich – Young Liberals Canton Bern NEW
- Liya Bruman – Young Green Liberals Switzerland / Jeunes Vert'libéraux Suisse NEW
- Cédric Heeb – IG Hanf Schweiz / CI Chanvre Suisse
- Maxime Mellina – GREA
- Sheron Baumann – Legalize it! NEW
With combined forces, the Cannabis Consensus Switzerland is committed to sensible and efficient cannabis regulation in Switzerland. True to the motto: Regulated. Works.
Link to the new board: BOARD – Cannabis Consensus (cannabis-consensus.ch)
4. Studies / Statistics
4.1. THC Evidence Statistics 2023 – SGRM Forensic Chemistry Group
In the latest edition of the statistics on cannabis evidence, which the Swiss Society of Forensic Medicine compiles for the BAG, it becomes clear that only a few samples of confiscated cannabis contain more than 20% THC. The Cannabis BAG 2023 report will follow soon. Link to the SGRM statistics: [THC statistics] (sgrm.ch)
4.2. Consumption survey after decriminalization
A study by Pronova BKK examined the frequency of consumption in different population groups, the reasons for use, public perception and the effects on health and everyday life since legalization in Germany. It also examines attitudes towards legalization and the medical use of cannabis. The study contains statistical data and findings from surveys among the German population. For detailed information, you can download the full report here . view
5. Dates
Working groups: PR / PA Friday, 12 July 2024, 10.00:XNUMX am – Registration info@ighanf.ch
40 years of Nachtschatten Verlag: August 31, 2024 – Link: 40th anniversary celebration | Nachtschatten Verlag (40jahrenachtschatten.ch)
Overview of trade fairs: All hemp fairs 2024 at a glance (hanfjournal.de)
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