Is Weed Legal in Switzerland? (April 2024)

Yes, cannabis is legal in Switzerland for medical purposes and the Swiss government is in the process of trialing recreational cannabis. A majority of Swiss residents are in favor of the full legalization of cannabis. 

About Switzerland

Switzerland is a landlocked, mountainous country that’s located in central Europe. It’s mostly known for It boasts of having some of the highest peaks in Europe as well as the longest tunnel in the world. The crime rate in Switzerland is very low, despite a high cost of living. It has one of the most advanced stable economies in the world. 

Is Medical Cannabis Legal in Switzerland?

Yes, medical cannabis is legal in Switzerland. Switzerland first legalized medical cannabis in 2008, but the law took effect in 2011. Previously, medical cannabis patients needed a special permit from the federal office of public health to be able to access cannabis. In March 2021, the Federal Council amended the Swiss Narcotics Act to lift the ban on medical cannabis. With this amendment patients will be able to bypass the federal office and access cannabis directly from pharmacies. In addition, Swiss companies will now be able to export medical cannabis commercially for commercial purposes for as long as they have the requisite authorization from Swiss Medic- the Swiss surveillance authority for medicines and medical devices. 

Epidiolex was approved by the European Medicines Agency in September 2019. This is a cannabis-based drug that is used to treat rare forms of severe childhood epilepsy.

Is Cannabis Decriminalized in Switzerland?

Yes, the possession of small amounts of cannabis that don’t exceed 10 grams was decriminalized back in 2013. This misdemeanor is punished by a fine of 100 Swiss francs. Possession of larger amounts of cannabis is criminalized and and punished by a jail sentence of 1-3 years with or without a fine.

Is Hemp Legal in Switzerland

Cannabis containing less than 1% THC is legal in Switzerland. This amount is higher than what the EU considers to be legal for hemp; 0.3% THC. Switzerland exports and imports hemp in the form of hemp fibers. In 2021, it exported $980k in Hemp Fibers, as it also imported $2.51M in Hemp Fibers, making it the 7th largest importer of Hemp Fibers in the world. 

Is CBD Legal in Switzerland?

Hemp-derived CBD is legal in Switzerland. Various formulations of CBD can be purchased in shops that sell tobacco and other similar goods. 

Is Recreational Weed Legal in Switzerland?

Even though recreational cannabis is yet to be fully legalized in Switzerland, the Swiss government in 2022 rolled out a pilot program for recreational cannabis. This pilot program titled “Züri Can—Cannabis with Responsibility” is set to be rolled out in the summer of 2023 in Basel. It will include 2,100 adult (above 18 years) volunteers from Basel, Bern, Thun, Olten,  Lausanne, Geneva, Biel, and Winterthur. The aim of the trial is to  provide evidence on the impact of cannabis on individual and public health and safety which will be used for policy making.

Should Switzerland Legalize Cannabis?

Last year, a study conducted by a researcher from the University of Geneva, Oliver Hoff, found out that the cannabis industry in Switzerland generates billions of Swiss francs each year from illicit trade.this study that was titles “the Sociograph Series” highlighted the rampant illegal cannabis trade as well as the widespread consumption of cannabis. Legalizing cannabis fully will increase tax revenues from the government and if well executed it will also be a step towards quenching the illicit market. The full press report can be accessed through this link: https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/dokumentation/medienmitteilungen.msg-id-89372.html