Switzerland Wants to Legalize Cannabis and Take Full Control of It

Switzerland is embarking on a new path of cannabis regulation, preparing the ground for its legalization for recreational purposes.

The planned changes include strict state supervision, limited access for minors and the elimination of the black market. The main goals of the new law are to reduce health harm, control the quality of products and allocate tax revenues to the health care system. What are the key elements of the new policy and how will it affect the market and society?

Legalization Model in Switzerland: State control of cannabis sales

Under the proposed law, cananbis sales in Switzerland will only take place through licensed brick-and-mortar stores and a single state-owned online operator. This solution will allow for full control over production, distribution and sales, while limiting the activities of illegal dealers. But is monopolizing the cannabis market a good idea? I have some doubts. The key assumptions of the new policy:

Advertising ban – hemp products, including seeds and accessories, will not be allowed to be promoted in any form.

No profit motive – the sale of cannabis will not be conducted for commercial purposes, and the proceeds will be allocated to prevention programs, support for addicts and financing health insurance.

Full quality control – strict standards will be introduced regarding the composition, labelling and packaging of products, which is intended to limit access to substances by children and adolescents.

Regulations on cultivation and consumption

In addition to strictly supervised sales, Swiss authorities will allow citizens to grow cannabis for their own use on a limited basis. Each adult will be allowed to grow up to three female plants at home.

Main regulations regarding cannabis use:

Strict possession limits – maximum amounts of cannabis that citizens will be able to possess both at home and in public spaces will be established.

Ban on smoking in public places – cannabis consumption will be regulated by second-hand smoke regulations, which means it will be banned from use near schools, playgrounds and other public places.

Availability of alternative products – those who prefer other forms of cannabis consumption will be able to purchase low- THC oils, extracts and edibles.

New tax regulations and quality standards

The tax on cannabis will depend on the THC level – the higher the concentration of the psychoactive substance, the higher the fee. The introduction of this rule aims to promote less harmful forms of consumption and reduce the consumption of products with a high THC content.

Additional quality assurance measures will include:

Neutral, warning packaging – hemp products will have to be packaged in a way that prevents them from standing out in an attractive marketing way.

Child safety locks – all packaging will be equipped with mechanisms to prevent opening by minors.

Digital Tracking System – Every batch of cannabis will be monitored from cultivation to sale to prevent illegal circulation.

Tightening regulations on selling and driving vehicles in Switzerland

Even as Switzerland moves toward legalization, it also plans to severely punish the illegal cannabis trade. The new law includes heavy penalties for selling and buying the substance outside the official system.

The most important restrictions in Switzerland:

Zero Tolerance for Driving Under the Influence of THC – Driving under the influence of cannabis will be treated the same as driving under the influence of alcohol, and any level of THC detected in a driver’s system will result in them automatically being deemed unfit to drive.
Harsh Penalties for Illegal Distribution – Those selling cannabis outside the state system can expect severe financial and criminal penalties.

Legislative Stages and Future Prospects

The bill is currently going through the next legislative stages. Public consultations and a detailed report on the potential effects of legalization are planned for 2025. Key decisions will be made based on the opinions of experts, industry organizations and society.

Possible challenges:

National referendum – Due to the controversial nature of the bill, the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) may seek a nationwide vote to reject it.

Adaptation of regulations to international law – Switzerland, although independent from the European Union, must take into account possible reactions from neighbouring countries and global anti-drug conventions.

Summary

The plan to legalize recreational cannabis in Switzerland based on market monopoly is a first for the Wueop. The model of state control over the market, strict regulations on quality and distribution, and the lack of a profit motive distinguish Switzerland from countries that have already legalized cannabis.

Although the final shape of the regulations will depend on the results of public consultations and a possible referendum, the planned changes may become a model for other countries that are looking for effective and responsible methods of legalizing cannabis.

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(Featured image by Vincent Ghilione via Unsplash)

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

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