Shortly

• When it comes to sales outlets, IG Hanf advocates a market-oriented approach that combines both economic and health policy goals.
• In order to displace the black market and ensure the diversity of offers, a functioning market is crucial.
• Generating profits is a fundamental prerequisite for the perception of social responsibility and financial stability of the industry.

A market-oriented approach as the key to regulation

The IG Hanf rejects state and non-state sales monopolies and sales oligopolies at both the cantonal and federal levels. A functioning market is crucial to displacing the black market and ensuring the diversity of offers.

A key role in successful regulation is played by sales outlets that can operate under strict regulation and at the same time operate profitably. When it comes to sales outlets, IG Hanf advocates a market-oriented approach that combines both economic and health policy goals. This is the only way to effectively implement youth protection, quality standards and the suppression of the black market.

State dispensing points

State-run cannabis sales outlets are not one of the core tasks of the Swiss federal government. They cause considerable administrative effort for logistics, accounting, and for the training and continuing education of sales staff. This is neither effective nor efficient. Restrictions on sales promotion can easily be implemented even in a market economy model.

A government monopoly on the sale of cannabis, as implemented in Quebec, for example, has led to a limited variety of products, which makes consumers more likely to turn to the black market.[1] Additionally, overregulation and lack of Rentabilität the situation. The monopoly structure of the SQDC primarily promotes large companies and results in a high number of bankruptcies. Such a scenario must be prevented in Switzerland.

Licensed private specialist shops

Key players for successful regulation are private licensed specialist shops that operate under strict government regulations. These sales outlets combine professional advice from qualified staff and the guarantee of quality standards with a clear focus on youth and health protection.

The staff of such outlets should undergo mandatory training to ensure that age checks, education, product storage and other requirements are met. Unannounced audits will be carried out to ensure compliance with requirements. The ongoing pilot projects provide evidence that staff training has the desired effect. The training program should be standardized nationwide and be introduced and implemented mandatorily.

Non-profit distribution points

If, from a health policy perspective, strict regulation of the cannabis market is sought, it is not expedient to restrict the economic freedom of sales outlets beyond the necessary restrictions in the areas of marketing and sales promotion and to prohibit profits across the board. In addition to protecting individuals and society from the negative consequences of consuming, growing and trading cannabis, regulating cannabis affects other socio-politically significant issues that should be taken into account by the legislature: namely the relationship between the state and its citizens, their personal responsibility and autonomy as members of a community. In line with Switzerland’s liberal understanding of the state, this means that in future a way of dealing with stimulants must be found that minimises possible (health) costs for those affected and society as much as possible. but also does not unduly restrict the freedom of the individual.

pharmacies (medical applications)

The IG Hanf does not consider pharmacies to be suitable dispensing points in a regulated Swiss market. To ensure that the role of pharmacies remains clearly defined, they should only sell medical cannabis products so that there is no connection with the recreational market.

cannabis clubs

IG Hanf Schweiz is committed to supporting private cultivation associations. Such associations can make an important contribution to diversity and social responsibility in the cannabis industry. They enable small and non-profit organizations as well as local communities to participate in and benefit from this regulated market. By promoting such initiatives, we can promote a sustainable cannabis economy without a monopoly character.

[1] Higher prices and inconveniences at legal sources are common obstacles to purchasing legal cannabis. See: Reasons for Purchasing Cannabis From Illegal Sources in Legal Markets: Findings Among Cannabis Consumers in Canada and US States, 2019-2020 – PubMed (nih.gov)