A Swiss parliamentary committee recently took a decisive step toward regulating the adult-use cannabis market . This bill aims to establish a strict framework to ensure better protection of public health while reducing the impact of the black market.
Regulated Access as an Alternative to the Black Market
In Switzerland, the cultivation, sale, and consumption of recreational cannabis remain prohibited. Yet, its use is a well-established reality. In 2022, a study revealed that 4% of Swiss people aged 15 to 64 had used cannabis in the past month.
Faced with this situation, the committee considers that a regulated market would allow for better protection of consumers and control of the quality of the products made available.
A State Monopoly and Strict Quality Standards
The bill provides for strict regulation of cannabis in Switzerland. Adults will be able to cultivate, purchase, and consume cannabis under certain conditions:
- Sales through a limited number of authorized points of sale and through online platforms under government control.
- Production subject to rigorous quality standards without profit motive.
- The revenues will be fully reinvested in prevention, risk reduction and addiction care .
- Introduction of a tax on THC based on the content and form of consumption to limit risky uses.
Key Points of the Bill
The bill is based on several fundamental principles:
- Adults residing in Switzerland will be able to cultivate up to three female plants and possess limited quantities of cannabis.
- Sales to minors will be strictly prohibited.
- The products must be without branding , accompanied by health warnings and an explanatory leaflet.
- A state monopoly on distribution with authorized points of sale.
- A digital traceability system will ensure complete tracking of the product from production to sale.
- A total ban on advertising cannabis (including seeds, cuttings and accessories).
- The cantons will be responsible for regulating and controlling distribution.
- Zero tolerance will remain in force for driving under the influence of cannabis .
Next Legislative Steps
Although the majority of the committee supports this approach, some opponents believe that this legalization could encourage more young people to use cannabis.
The bill will now enter a consultation phase during which stakeholders will be able to submit their opinions. The final text will then be submitted to Parliament for a vote.
The law will not be implemented until the summer of 2026. A referendum could also be held, leaving the Swiss people to decide whether to adopt it.
Experiments Already Underway
Pending the adoption of this law, Switzerland has already implemented pilot projects in several major cities such as Basel, Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Lausanne . These experiments allow for the testing of a regulatory framework before implementation on a national scale.
The first analyses, particularly in Zurich, are positive , thus strengthening the position of the defenders of regulation.
Conclusion
With this bill, Switzerland is positioning itself as a pioneer in Europe in cannabis regulation. By strictly regulating production and distribution, while reinvesting profits in public health, this model aims to protect consumers while reducing the harm caused by the black market.
If this legislation is passed, it could inspire other European countries to review their approach to cannabis regulation .