IG Hanf Schweiz[I], 1. May 2024
In this statement, we refer to the article “What happened when California smelled big money and allowed smoking weed” which appeared in the NZZ on April 27, 2024.
The report shows that the black market for cannabis continues to flourish and that violence has, subjectively speaking, even increased.
The events described in the article are by no means representative of the effects of legalizing cannabis. The article focuses heavily on negative aspects and ignores positive developments. It claims causalities that cannot be proven. To attribute the existing violence to the regulation of cannabis, as the title suggests, is extremely questionable.
We also emphasize that the situation in California is not transferable to Switzerland. The incidents there described in the article reflect a specific development that does not necessarily apply to other countries or regions. Switzerland has its own legal, cultural and social circumstances that require a differentiated approach.
Balanced reporting should also take into account the potential benefits of regulating the cannabis market, such as effectively reducing criminal activity, enabling quality controls and creating new economic opportunities.
IG Hanf believes that simple, clear and fair regulation of the cannabis market is essential to ensure public safety and effectively combat illegal trade.
A crucial aspect of effective cannabis regulation is the protection of minors. Clear and simple legislation is the only way to ensure sensible and enforceable protection of minors.
We therefore call for a revision of cannabis policy that takes the following points into account:
- A balanced regulation to minimize social and health damage.[ii]
- Protecting the population through advertising restrictions and other measures
- promoting fair competition among market participants
- No Monopolies
- Transparent and efficient award procedures for licenses and permits
- Preventing under- or overproduction through a regulated market
- Promoting prevention and education to avoid risky consumption behavior.
- A regulation that does not stimulate consumption but creates a controlled market with minimal risks.
- Effective youth protection
Press Contact
Benjamin Foro
politik@ighanf.ch / +41 (0)76 541 04 20
Continue information
- Position paper on Swiss cannabis regulation – IG Hanf Schweiz
- CANNABIS REGULATION SWITZERLAND – Implementation of the 10-point model “Protect and Control” – IG Hanf Schweiz
Appendix
[I] The Swiss cannabis industry association represents over 100 Swiss companies with a total of over 1000 employees. Since its founding in 2017, IG Hanf has worked closely with experts, addiction associations, authorities, political parties and consumers and is committed to sensible cannabis regulation.
"We stand for sensible cannabis regulation with control mechanisms in favor of sustainable and local production, which reduces health risks to a minimum through quality standards.»
Continue information: Website the IG Hanf Schweiz
[ii]
