Switzerland’s Medical Cannabis Reform Advances Access, But Barriers Remain

Four years ago, a change in the law came into effect in Switzerland that gave many patients new hope: Since August 1st, 2022, doctors have been allowed to prescribe medical cannabis without the previously required federal exemption. What was celebrated as a milestone at the time has significantly improved access to therapy – however, comprehensive and uncomplicated access is still far from being a reality.

To mark the fourth anniversary of the reform, the Swiss association MEDCAN is drawing attention to existing problems. President Franziska Quadri, herself a cannabis patient, vividly describes how her life has changed through legal access to medical cannabis – and why many sufferers still have to fight for effective therapy.

A life without fear of one’s own medicine

Franziska Quadri has lived with severe neuropathic pain and spasticity since an accident. Only the possibility of obtaining medical cannabis legally, in tested quality and under medical supervision, has given her back a measure of quality of life.

According to her own account, she now obtains her cannabis flowers through a specialized pharmacy. The costs are covered by her accident insurance. This means she is no longer forced to rely on the black market or fear legal consequences.However, for many other patients, the reality remains different.

Law changed in Switzerland – care remains incomplete

According to MEDCAN, numerous people contact the organization every week because, despite serious illnesses, they cannot find a doctor willing to prescribe cannabis. Others do receive a prescription, but have to pay for the treatment entirely themselves.The question of cost coverage remains a key problem.

While some health or accident insurance companies reimburse medical cannabis, many sufferers in Switzerland have to pay for their therapy out of their own pockets – often over a long period. For chronically ill people, this can become a significant financial burden.

Medical cannabis as an opportunity for patients and the healthcare system in Switzerland

MEDCAN points out that cannabis has been used as a medicinal plant for millennia and can now be used therapeutically for various illnesses. Depending on the specific condition, treatment can, among other things, help to:
to relieve chronic pain,
To reduce spasticity,
To inhibit inflammation,
to improve sleep,
to improve the quality of life.

According to the association, not only the patients themselves benefit. If effective cannabis therapies help to reduce the need for other medications, decrease hospital stays, and promote the independence of those affected, healthcare systems in Switzerland could also be relieved of some of their burden in the long term.

Switzerland is considered a pioneer – however, there is still a need for action

Compared to other European countries, Switzerland now has a relatively modern legal framework for medical cannabis. The abolition of the exceptional permit requirement in 2022 is considered an important step towards regular medical access.From MEDCAN’s perspective, however, the change in the law alone is not enough.

The association in Switzerland demands, in particular:
more medical expertise on cannabis therapies,
easier access to prescribing doctors,
transparent decisions by health and accident insurance companies,
as well as greater consideration of the experiences of patients.

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(Featured image by Ansgar Scheffold via Unsplash)

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

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