Shortly

• The IG Hanf is firmly of the opinion that the Swiss industry must be protected from cheap foreign cannabis.
• Especially when developing a new market, import restrictions analogous to the pilot projects are indispensable.
• Imports should only take place in cases of proven shortages and should be clearly regulated.

Strengthening the Swiss market

The IG Hanf (German Hemp Association) firmly believes that cannabis regulation in Switzerland must clearly favor Swiss producers and manufacturers. The goal is an ecologically responsible, innovative, and resilient domestic market based on regional value creation. Agricultural businesses and SMEs, in particular, should benefit from the economic opportunities.

Experience from the pilot projects shows that locally produced products not only enable better quality control and traceability, but also create a more ecologically sound, socially acceptable and economically sustainable market.

Why import restrictions are necessary

To ensure fair competition, import restrictions are necessary, especially during the sensitive development phase. The Swiss market must not be undermined by price dumping from low-wage countries. Imports should therefore only be permitted in clearly defined exceptional cases, such as temporary production bottlenecks, provided this is compatible with international law.

In the long term, clear rules and quotas are necessary, analogous to proven instruments from agricultural policy (e.g., in the milk or vegetable sectors). This will enable sound market management that ensures quality, security of supply, and government revenue through incentive taxes.

Utilizing climate and location advantages

Short transport routes reduce emissions and enable sustainable supply. Promoting local production contributes to climate policy goals and reduces dependence on global supply chains.

Propagation material: No import restrictions for seeds & cuttings

Seeds and cuttings are not covered by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (SDC). Therefore, no import restrictions should apply to these products.

Research, development and innovation

A strong local market creates space for innovation, whether in the breeding of new varieties, the development of sustainable cultivation methods, or product processing. This allows Switzerland to help shape international standards instead of relying on imports.

Importance of Swiss agriculture

In recent years, more and more farms have developed expertise in environmentally friendly cannabis cultivation. These structures need to be strengthened. They promote agricultural diversification, create new jobs, and contribute to rural development.

Lessons from the medical market and the CBD sector

Today's medical cannabis market in Switzerland demonstrates the risks of a lack of protective measures: The majority of cannabis originates from abroad because production is significantly cheaper there. This development has displaced Swiss suppliers. A scenario that must not be repeated in the recreational market. Similar trends are evident with CBD products and other cannabinoid-containing products.

Conclusion

Without clear protection for domestic production, valuable economic, social, and ecological potential could remain untapped. Regulation without protective mechanisms for local suppliers would be a missed opportunity, not only for the Swiss economy but also for the credibility and effectiveness of a legal cannabis market.

Continued positions of the IG Hanf: https://ighanf.ch/positionen/positionspapier-der-ig-hanf-zum-gesetz-ueber-cannabisprodukte/