The board and secretariat of IG Hanf would like to thank you for the support and solidarity we have felt this year. Before we dive into the holidays, let's take a look back at the eventful year of 2023.

1. Pilot trials with cannabis in Switzerland

The long-awaited pilot trials on cannabis regulation finally started in spring 2023. By the end of 2023, six pilot trials across Switzerland had been approved by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Different distribution points and their effects on society and consumers are being examined. The pilot trials will be the first to test supply chains for the distribution of cannabis for recreational purposes. The first pilot trials will expire in 2025, which is why there is an urgent need to find a sustainable follow-up solution.

The organizers of the pilot trials are obliged to inform the BAG annually about the progress and to record the results in a research report. The BAG evaluates the trials as part of a meta-study and summarizes the findings in a report for the attention of the Federal Council. Due to the political efforts already underway in parliament for a new regulation of cannabis, the evaluation is ongoing. You can find further information on the pilot trials in the following overview and here.

The IG Hanf welcomes the pilot trials as an important step towards a modern and rational cannabis policy. We very much hope that they will contribute to a broad and objective discussion about the future of cannabis in Switzerland. We will continue to follow the pilot trials closely and inform you about all projects and developments. For 2024, we hope to see many new pilot trials and that all consumers will have the opportunity to take part in a pilot trial near them.

2. Work of the Subcommittee on Cannabis Regulation

Of particular importance in 2023 was the work of the parliamentary subcommittee on cannabis regulation, which has been working with the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) on a draft cannabis law for over two years. The work on the Siegenthaler parliamentary initiative (business 20.473) were extended for another two years in September. The interest groups involved, including IG Hanf, were consulted. After we approached the subcommittee with our positions in the spring, we were able to establish ourselves as a professional contact in the legislative process in the course of 2023.

The subcommittee was decimated this year by the departure of Verona Herzog (no longer running for the National Council) and Jörg Mäder (no longer elected). The parliamentary committees and subcommittees will be re-composed for the next legislative period. Who is joining the Cannabis Regulation Subcommittee and who is leaving it will be announced in January 2024.  

The IG Hanf continues to actively work to ensure that work on the proposed law can progress. Our stated goal is to discuss a draft as soon as possible. We remain in close contact with politicians in order to present suggestions for solutions to any regulatory problems and to contribute constructively to the design of the law.

3. Political environment in the election year

In the election year of 2023, the industry association's expectations of a speedy implementation of Siegenthaler's parliamentary initiative were rather dampened. No implementation proposals were presented and only a few details on implementation are known so far.

On 1 November 2023, the Federal Council adopted the comprehensive Report in fulfillment of the Minder postulate (21.3280) Future perspectives for cannabis regulation were presented. The Federal Council recommends that when re-regulating cannabis for recreational purposes, care should be taken to ensure that cannabis is not promoted as a legal product and not commercialized The Federal Commission for Addiction and Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases proposes that access to cannabis should be exclusively via non-profit sales models The Federal Council's report discusses various approaches to this. The IG Hanf will take a position on the sales models in 2024.

The majority of the newly elected parliament is in favor of regulated cannabis consumption among adults in the future. The positive climate towards cannabis is most evident in the Council of States. Before the election in autumn 2023, only 48% of the Council of States members were in favor of legal cannabis consumption. Since the election, almost 60% have been more positive. A similar figure to the Swiss population.

Unter dem Link you will find an evaluation of the attitude of politicians in the National Council and Council of States towards regulated consumption (including comments on legalization).

4. Regulation of low-THC products

To date, there is no clear regulatory framework for cannabinoids/cannabis products, which leads to uncertainty and noticeable imbalances in the market. Not much has changed in this regard in 2023.

The IG Hanf Schweiz has issued a statement on the regulation of cannabis in tobacco law as part of the consultation on the new Tobacco Products Ordinance (TabPV). The statement "Hemp is not tobacco" was sent to the Federal Department of Home Affairs in October 2023.

On November 2, 2023, the latest version of the enforcement assistance of the BAG / BLV / Swissmedic for "CBD and other non-psychotropic cannabinoids". The comparison report of the current implementation aid to the 5th version can be found in the members' area (Legal category). At the beginning of 2024, the IG Hanf will present its position on the regulation of low-THC products.

5. Germany on the road to regulation

The planned legalization of the consumption and cultivation of cannabis in Germany from 2024 shows the need for a timely adjustment of legislation in Switzerland. The federal government's original plans envisaged specialist shops and regulated supply chains. These plans were scrapped in the course of 2023 due to resistance from individual federal states and talks with the EU. The new strategy envisages a two-pillar model. The first plan is to implement the first pillar (decriminalization and non-commercial cultivation), which is expected to come into force on April 1, 2024. It is not yet known when the draft of the second pillar will be presented.

The IG Hanf Schweiz expressly welcomes the efforts towards regulation in Germany. The planned social clubs and legal home cultivation are an important first step and can be a good support to get consumers off the black market. However, this regulatory model is not suitable for all types of consumers. The focus must now be on the next steps in regulation.  

6. Cannabis – an interesting market for organized crime

"Cannabis consumer goods: increasingly effective and diverse" is in the Analysis of the European cannabis market by the EMCDDA / EBDD and Europol (November 2023). According to the report, the cannabis market in Europe is becoming an increasingly attractive market for serious and organized crime. Products of very high potency are 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 types of highly potent concentrates, edibles and vapes, some of which are sold with up to 90% THC content.

7. A synthetic problem – HHC requires approval

The semi-synthetic cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol, better known as HHC, was listed on March 31, 2023 by the Federal Department of Home Affairs (EDI) as a product with suspected narcotic-like effects in Annex 6, List of the Narcotics List Ordinance (BetmVV - EDI). Together with 11 other substances. In October, a group of synthetic cannabinoids as well as the individual substances HHCP, delta-9-THCP, delta-8-THCP, H4CBD and other substances became subject to licensing in Switzerland. These listed substances may not be manufactured, traded or sold. Licenses can be applied for for industrial and scientific use. Cannabinoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant, such as CBD, CBC, CBG, are not affected by the ban.

In the first half of 2023, a significant increase in cannabis samples contaminated with synthetic cannabis substitutes and semi-synthetic cannabinoids was detected in the testing centers for psychotropic substances. Unfortunately, the increase will continue in the second half of 2023. Despite official Measures The black market remains resistant to interventions, which poses a significant risk to consumers. It is particularly worrying that substances such as ADB-BUTANICA are increasingly being detected. ADB-BUTANICA is a highly potent cannabinoid receptor mimetic, of which largely unknown hazards go out.  

The recurring listing of synthetic cannabis substitutes and semi-synthetic cannabinoids by the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) makes it clear that the problem has not yet been effectively resolved. In 2023, more synthetic designer drugs will probably have been applied to cannabis flowers and sold than ever before. The increasing health risks posed by contaminated black market products with toxic additives are alarming. Effective health protection can only be ensured in a regulated market.

8. Hurdles to simplified medical dispensing

The short period of time since August 2022 has already shown progress and the positive aspects of simplified medical dispensing. Unfortunately, patients still face significant hurdles in accessing medical cannabis. Unclear criteria for reimbursement by health insurers, high prices and the lack of specifically trained doctors are just some of the challenges. We would like to refer you to the Review our partner association MEDCAN, which deals exclusively with developments in the medical sector.

9. Legal possession of small amounts of cannabis possible

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 (Link to the IG Hanf article). A milestone on the way to decriminalization.

10. Lazy Plant Investments

Last but not least, in 2023, the proliferation of investments in cannabis plants by dubious providers damaged the market and the confidence of investors alike. This problem does not directly affect cannabis regulation, but rather the supervision of "new" financial products. Here, the Swiss system offers the ideal breeding ground for tempting investment opportunities, which unfortunately can all too often end in a total loss.

This year, IG Hanf was confronted with many inquiries about such investment opportunities and regularly reported suspected cases to the relevant authorities. We also shared Warnings with the population and with the media.

11. Imminent draft law as a perspective

The developments of 2023 underline the urgent need to adapt the existing framework. In summary, current cannabis policy is ineffective, costly and harmful to the health and safety of the population. We therefore need regulation of the hemp plant based on scientific findings and international experience. Neglecting this issue not only poses health risks for consumers, but also threatens the integrity of the Swiss market.

Accordingly, IG Hanf Schweiz has positioned itself on regulation in 2023 (Position paper Swiss cannabis regulation / Implementation of the 10-point model «Protect and ControlIn 2024, IG Hanf will focus on further expanding self-regulation, communicating the industry's positions to the outside world in a consolidated manner and exerting a constructive influence on legislation.