The Future of Cannabis Legalization in Switzerland

Cannabis policy in Switzerland will soon change fundamentally. In the future, adults will be able to legally grow, buy, possess and consume cannabis. The responsible National Council committee approved a preliminary draft for a special law by 14 votes to 9, with 2 abstentions. The resulting federal law on cannabis products is due to go out for consultation in the summer.

Status Quo and Background

Currently, the cultivation, production, trade and consumption of cannabis for non-medical purposes are prohibited in Switzerland. Adults who consume cannabis are punished with a fine, while possession of small amounts remains unpunished.

The National Council's Social Security and Health Committee (SGK-N) has acknowledged that cannabis consumption is widespread in society. A majority of the committee members believe that the current prohibition policy is not effective and are calling for regulated legalization.

Key points of the new cannabis policy

The new bill focuses on protecting public health and youth protection. Adults should have strictly regulated access to cannabis. In order to avoid promoting consumption, it is proposed that sales should not be made for profit and that a levy should be levied.

The SGK-N has already defined key points of the law:

• Adults are allowed to grow, buy, possess and consume cannabis.

• There should be upper limits on ownership in private and public spaces.

• Profit-oriented, commercial production is permitted, under strict government regulations.

• Producers and traders require government approval.

• Import and export should be possible for specific purposes.

  
  

Strict regulations for product quality and distribution

To protect consumers, cannabis products should only be sold in neutral packaging, with warnings and in a child-safe manner. The entire supply chain will be digitally traceable. There is also a ban on advertising that also extends to seeds, cuttings and consumption accessories.

Another key element is the planned steering tax, which is based on the THC content and the form of consumption. This tax is to be redistributed via health insurance. Supervision and fee regulation are the responsibility of the cantons.

Consequences for the illegal market and road traffic

In order to establish a legal market, violations of the new law will be punished more severely than before. At the same time, the zero-tolerance rule in road traffic will remain in place: anyone who consumes cannabis will be considered unfit to drive.

Conclusion

The proposed new regulation marks a historic step in Swiss cannabis policy. Controlled legalization could not only minimize health risks, but also curb the black market. Whether and when the new law will come into force will become clear after the consultation in summer 2025.