Switzerland Poised to Surpass Germany with Smarter, Science-Based Cannabis Reform

“Switzerland can do better than Germany” – with this clear message, the Swiss Hemp Association (IG Hanf) reacts to the preliminary draft of the new Federal Act on Cannabis Products (CanPG). The industry association welcomes the draft in principle as a historic step towards modern, science-based regulation – but at the same time calls for crucial improvements so that Switzerland can fully realize its potential.

On November 26th, the Swiss Hemp Association (IG Hanf) presented its comprehensive assessment of the parliamentary initiative “Regulation of the Cannabis Market for Better Youth and Consumer Protection” (20.473) in Bern. The association’s conclusion is clear: For the first time, Switzerland has the opportunity to create a transparent, safe, and realistic cannabis market that combines both consumer protection and economic viability.

Paradigm shift: From the black market to clear rules in Switzerland

From the perspective of the IG Hanf (Hemp Interest Group), the preliminary draft marks a necessary change of course. For decades, the repressive system has primarily strengthened the illegal market, while consumers consumed without quality control or reliable information.The CanPG is intended to correct precisely these weaknesses – with clear standards, strictly controlled products and legal access that puts youth protection at the center.

According to IG Hanf, several core objectives must be met simultaneously for the new system to work:

Strengthening youth and health protection – through education, prevention and clear guidelines.

Effectively curbing the black market – through quality, control and realistic framework conditions.

To create a functioning legal market – fair, transparent and with room for strong Swiss production.

The association emphasizes: Only a legal market that is competitive and accessible can truly protect.

“Switzerland can learn from Germany’s mistakes.”

IG-Hanf President Elias Galantay sees Switzerland in a comfortable starting position:

“Switzerland has the chance to do better than Germany because it can learn from the regulatory mistakes made there and at the same time draw on the comprehensive scientific evidence from its own pilot projects. This way, a practical, effective and marketable model can be developed from the outset.”

While Germany struggles with over-regulated, sometimes contradictory regulations and the goals of legalization evaporate in many places, Switzerland can now take a more efficient, scientifically sound approach.

Predictability, production security and sensible steering levies

IG Hanf considers regulation that consistently addresses the illegal market to be particularly important – and that this is best anchored directly in the law. Key demands include:
Practical THC limits and risk classes that realistically reflect consumption patterns.
Reliable guidelines for retail outlets to ensure planning security.

Strengthening Swiss production to ensure quality, traceability and sustainability.

A moderate steering tax that does not torpedo the legal market through excessive prices.

The association warns:”If legal products are too expensive, the black market remains attractive.”

A law for a safe, modern future

In its detailed statement on the CanPG (Cannabis Act), the IG Hanf (Hemp Interest Group) outlines the necessary adjustments to create a functioning, safe, and sustainable market.

Switzerland possesses the expertise from its own pilot projects, the societal momentum, and the economic foundation to implement cannabis regulation pragmatically, sustainably, and on a scientifically sound basis. The mission is clear: a realistic law that combines protection, quality and legal alternatives – and does not repeat the mistakes of other countries.

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(Featured image by Alex Presa 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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