Swiss Institute and Sanity Group Secure Approval for First Ever Cannabis Study in Basel-Landschaft

Basel, Switzerland — In a groundbreaking move, the Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF) and Sanity Group have received the green light from the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) to embark on a transformative cannabis pilot study in Basel-Landschaft (Baselland). This comes after receiving the ethical nod from the Ethics Committee Northwest and Central Switzerland (EKNZ) last year. Remarkably, this marks the sixth approved pilot project involving cannabis in Switzerland.

The study, led by Prof. Dr. Michael Schaub, Scientific Director of the ISGF, will scrutinize the regulated sale of cannabis for non-medical purposes. It is designed to yield crucial insights into consumption behavior, as well as the physical and mental health of the participants. Furthermore, it will delve into the societal effects of cannabis consumption, with a keen focus on public safety and order, involving consultation with relevant entities such as the public prosecutor's office.

Prof. Dr. Schaub emphasized, “The insights gained from the study can contribute to an informed health policy discussion on the responsible use of cannabis and serve as a basis for decisions on long-term regulation. In addition, we want to investigate whether we can gain better access to high-risk users with, for example, mental health problems, in order to refer them to appropriate cantonal care centers.”

Global Implications

Finn Hänsel, CEO of Sanity Group, expressed enthusiasm over the study's approval, highlighting its significance in promoting research related to cannabis and its versatile uses. He stated, “Our ambition to support the ISGF pilot project with our knowledge and experience as an internationally positioned cannabis company is primarily based on the promotion of research in the field of cannabis. Since the company was founded, our goal has been to further research the benefits of cannabis and destigmatize the plant. Together with the ISGF, we are developing concepts for safe sales based on health protection, youth protection, and prevention. We expect interesting findings from the study – the results will be of international interest.”

The ambitious project, which involved intensive collaboration with regional and national authorities, will engage up to 3,950 healthy adults residing in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. Participants will undergo an initial information session to educate them about the trial and how to deal with cannabis. Following this, a medical aptitude test will be conducted. Those successfully accepted into the study will receive a participation card allowing them to legally purchase cannabis for a limited time. Subsequent surveys on consumption behavior and participants' physical and mental health will take place every three to six months.

The study is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023 and is expected to run for five years. Further information on participation can be obtained at www.grashausprojects.ch and www.isgf.ch/pilotversuch-interesse.

Setting Up the First Dispensaries

In a departure from the norm, the dispensing of cannabis will not occur through pharmacies or clubs but via dedicated stores as points of sale. The first such shop is set to open in the municipality of Allschwil, designed specifically for this purpose. Europe's inaugural legal store for consumer cannabis is currently under development in Allschwil, with plans for another store in Liestal in the coming months. These stores will offer a range of cannabis products, including flowers, extracts, hashish, edibles, and vape liquids.

All cannabis products will adhere to the quality standards of the BetmPV and Swiss organic guidelines, cultivated locally by the Swiss cultivation partner SwissExtract. Prices for cannabis flowers are expected to range between 8 and 12 CHF, depending on the THC content.

Stefan Strasser, CEO of SwissExtract, emphasized their commitment to quality and sustainability, saying, “Our claim is to provide high-quality products with high delivery reliability as the basis for a sound scientific study. We focus on organic quality, ‘Swissness,' and transparency.” He further emphasized the pollutant-free nature of their products, with the entire production process meticulously documented from seed to end product, reflecting their dedication to people and the environment.

Full details of this story can be found here.