Switzerland Advances Cannabis Legalization with Public Health Focus

Switzerland is taking a historic step toward regulating the cannabis market. The National Council’s Health Committee (SGK-N) has just opened public consultations on a draft bill that would legalize cannabis for adults. However, this isn’t about free-for-all. The Swiss model prioritizes public health and youth protection.

Public health instead of profit: the pillars of the cannabis law in Switzerland

Current regulations in Switzerland are ineffective. The health commission (SGK-N) believes the ban is not deterring consumers, and cannabis is still the most commonly used illegal substance in the country. Instead of pretending the problem doesn’t exist, the Swiss want to address it systemically.

On Friday, the National Council’s Health Committee (SGK-N) approved a bill aimed at reorienting cannabis policy. The new bill envisions the creation of a strictly regulated market. What does this mean in practice?

Certified Products: Adults will be able to purchase cannabis at special, licensed retail outlets (in-store or online). Each product will be subject to quality control.

Sales without profit: Retail outlets will not be focused on maximizing profits. This is intended to limit aggressive marketing and the promotion of excessive consumption.

Health Tax: Cannabis sales will be subject to a special taxin Switzerland. The proceeds will not go to the general budget. Instead, they will be used to finance preventive programs or reimburse citizens through reduced health insurance premiums.

Promoting safer consumption: Retailers will be required to provide information on less harmful methods of using cannabis, such as vaporization, and encourage people to quit smoking.

Homegrowing and the strict rules. What’s allowed and what’s not?

The new law in Switzerland introduces changes not only to trade but also to the approach to individual users. At the same time, it maintains key restrictions to protect public order and minors.

What will change?

Personal cultivation: Every adult in Switzerland will be able to legally grow up to three female cannabis plants at home. This is a similar measure to one already in place in Germany and set to take effect in the Czech Republic on January 1st.

What will remain unchanged in Switzerland?

Complete ban on advertising cannabis products.

Zero tolerance for people driving under the influence of cannabis.

Full protection for minors – people under 18 years of age will not have any legal access to cannabis.

Tougher penalties for illegal trade and large-scale cultivation to effectively combat the black market.

The road to legalization: timeline and possible referendum

The legislative process is just beginning. Public consultations will last until November, during which various organizations and citizens can submit their comments on the bill.

The law will then be updated and submitted to the government (Federal Council) and parliament for consideration. The entire process is staggered, and the new regulations will not come into effect until the summer of 2026. It is also possible that the final decision will be made by all citizens in a nationwide referendum.

It’s worth noting that Switzerland isn’t operating in the dark. Scientific pilot projects are already underway in cities like Zurich, Basel , Geneva , and Bern , where legal marijuana sales are being tested on a small scale. Initial results from Zurich are promising and indicate that controlled access doesn’t lead to negative social consequences.

__

(Featured image by Alex Presa via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in FaktyKonopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.