Bern, January 26, 2024
The Hemp Interest Group – IG Hanf – is pleased to welcome the recently elected members of the “Cannabis Regulation” subcommittee. The subcommittee plays a crucial role in the development of a legislative proposal for sensible and contemporary legislation in the area of cannabis regulation.
The IG Hanf, as the leading interest group for the cannabis industry in Switzerland, welcomes the appointment of new members Sahra Wyss (SP), Martina Bircher (SVP) and Vroni Thalmann-Bieri (SVP) with optimism.
Source: Subcommittees SGK (parlament.ch)
The IG Hanf continues to actively campaign for work on the proposed legislation to progress. There is a clear urgency to regulate cannabis as soon as possible. The following aspects must be considered as serious reasons for regulation as soon as possible.
- The increasing health risks posed by contaminated black market products with toxic synthetic additives are alarming. Cannabis products of very high potency are also increasingly being brought to consumers using commercial marketing strategies (both online and offline). Not only hashish or flowers can be found on the black market, but also new, highly effective concentrates, edibles and vapes, some of which are sold with up to 90% THC content.
- The realization of a functioning local industry requires long-term planning and the immediate protection of the Swiss market from imports. Because the longer we wait to introduce cannabis regulation, the more likely it is that large companies will take control of the market and displace the current innovative players, which represent in particular SMEs in Switzerland. The entry of major international players into the Swiss market is already a reality.
- Only clear regulation opens up the possibility for quality controls and the introduction of measures that limit young people's access to cannabis.
- The pilot trials on cannabis regulation, which started in 2023, are intended to gain knowledge about how to deal with cannabis. It is not expedient to wait for the results of the first trials in three years and then hand the test subjects of the pilot trials back to the black market. It is therefore urgently necessary to find a permanent successor solution based on the partial results.
- The non-punishable consumption and cultivation of cannabis for personal use is long overdue. Accordingly, in 2023 the Federal Supreme Court recognized that it is legal to possess small amounts of cannabis and that law enforcement may not confiscate the cannabis. This circumstance is no relief for the already overburdened law enforcement.
- The regulation of cannabis not only creates new economic prospects, but also promotes job creation and generates additional tax revenue. As a new agricultural product with high added value, cannabis can make a significant contribution to Switzerland's economic development.
- The upcoming legalization of the consumption and cultivation of cannabis in Germany from April 1, 2024 further underlines the need for a timely adaptation of Swiss legislation.
The IG Hanf calls on the members of the “Cannabis Regulation” subcommittee to take advantage of the opportunities offered by progressive and contemporary legislation in the cannabis sector. The interest group is ready to contribute its expertise and work constructively with decision-makers to create balanced and future-oriented cannabis regulation.
The IG Hanf is confident that Switzerland will benefit both socially and economically from timely cannabis regulation. The IG Hanf is happy to provide further information and a professional exchange.
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About IG Hanf
The IG Hanf is the industry association of the Swiss cannabis industry and is committed to sensible regulation and promotion of the hemp industry in Switzerland. Further information can be found on the Website of the association.