After launching the first of its pilot projects to regulate the distribution of cannabis for recreational use, Switzerland has now laid the foundations for a full-scale national reform.
Thousands of people in cities such as Lausanne and Zurich have been able to legally access hemp-based products via state-approved channels. Under scientific supervision, these pilot programs have begun to show initial results.
The Swiss have adopted a data driven, evidence based approach towards cannabis reform. A regulated cannabis industry is being evaluated to determine its impact on health, safety and illicit trade. According to IG Hanf (the Swiss hemp industry’s association), the preliminary results are promising.
These pilots demonstrate that consumers can have access to safe products by relying less on the blackmarket. They also suggest that a similar model could remain compliant with United Nations Drug Conventions, particularly when public health and prevention remain top priorities.
These promising results may be the reason why Swiss policymakers now plan to take things further. Early in 2024, a committee of the National Council approved a draft law which would allow for cannabis to be grown, possessed, used and sold under specified conditions. It was approved with 14 votes to 9, 9 against and two abstentions. In July the National Council’s Social Security and Health Committee – N (SGK-N), backed the new bill. Federal Act on Cannabis ProductSetting the scene for formal legalisation
Youth Protection and Public Health are the Focus
The use of cannabis by adults is still prohibited in Switzerland. Cannabis is the most popular illegal drug consumed in Switzerland, despite the fact that possession of small amounts does not carry a criminal penalty. It has fueled calls for a complete reorientation in national drug policy.
According to the SGK-N the current model of prohibition is ineffective and allows the illegal market to flourish. The new legislation aims to establish a strictly regulated legal market for adults—one that enables controlled access without promoting consumption. Under strict supervision, products will be sold online or through licensed retailers under no profit motive. An additional tax to finance healthcare, addiction treatments and prevention programmes would be implemented.
Retailers will be expected to give health information, and encourage safer consumption methods such as the use of vaporizers. Advertisement of cannabis products is prohibited. Driving under the influences will continue to be a crime. Ultimately, the bill seeks to safeguard public health—especially that of young people.
Right and Responsibility
The proposed law would allow adults to grow three cannabis female plants in their homes, in a similar fashion to that which was recently adopted in Germany, and also proposed by the Czech Republic. In order to combat the illicit trade more effectively, there will also be an increase in penalties for non-authorized sales or cultivation. All minors will remain excluded by the law.
Elias Galantay (IG Hanf President) described this development as a historical step in Swiss cannabis policy. The association has welcomed the decision by the committee, and committed to reviewing the draft law carefully to promote a responsible fact-based regulatory approach. IG Hanf believes the law would improve youth protection, strengthen prevention methods and reduce harm by limiting young people’s access to marijuana.
Opportunity Economic
Switzerland’s new regulatory model could also be a great opportunity for its economy. IG Hanf says that a legal, transparent cannabis market can generate revenue for the government and open up new opportunities to Swiss farmers. Switzerland, with the right oversight and regulations in place, could become a leader on cannabis innovation and regulation.
After the SGK-N approved the law draft, a three-month public consultation will start at the end August. A revised version of this draft law, after the feedback from the public is assessed, will then be sent to the Federal Council for further consideration.
Switzerland’s conservative Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has already voiced opposition to the bill, citing concerns about the potential social impact of legal cannabis use—despite a lack of such evidence emerging from the pilot programs. It is not likely that the law will be implemented before summer 2026. A national referendum could also take place.
Switzerland, two years after its pilot project for the controlled distribution of recreational marijuana was launched, is now setting the stage for an entire national reform.
In Lausanne and Zurich as well as Bern, Geneva, Basel, Geneva, Bern and Bern, tens of thousands have been able to legally access various hemp-based intoxicants through channels approved by the state. Under scientific supervision, these pilot programs have begun to show initial results.
The Swiss have adopted a data driven, evidence-based reform of cannabis. It is intended to evaluate the impact of a cannabis-regulated market on the public’s health and safety, as well as the illegal trade. According to IG Hanf (the Swiss hemp industry’s association), the preliminary results are promising.
These pilots demonstrate that consumers can have access to safe products by relying less on the blackmarket. They also suggest that a similar model could remain compliant with United Nations Drug Conventions, particularly when public health and prevention remain top priorities.
These promising results may be the reason why Swiss policymakers now plan to take things further. Early in 2024, a committee of the National Council approved a pre-draft of a law which would allow for cannabis to be grown, possessed, used and sold under specified conditions. It was approved with 14 votes to 9, 9 against and two abstentions. In July the National Council’s Social Security and Health Committee – N (SGK-N), backed the new bill. Federal Act on Cannabis ProductSetting the scene for formal legalisation
Youth Protection and Public Health are the Focus
Adult-use cannabis is still prohibited in Switzerland, with the exception of those who are part of the pilot programmes. Cannabis is the most popular illegal drug consumed in Switzerland, despite the fact that possession of small amounts does not carry a criminal penalty. It has fueled calls for a complete reorientation in national drug policy.
According to the SGK-N model, prohibition-based models are ineffective and have allowed illicit markets to flourish. The new legislation aims to establish a strictly regulated legal market for adults—one that enables controlled access without promoting consumption. Under strict supervision, products will be sold online or through licensed retailers under no profit motive. An additional tax to finance healthcare, addiction treatments and prevention programmes would be implemented.
Retailers will be expected to give health information, and encourage safer consumption methods such as the use of vaporizers. Advertisement of cannabis products is prohibited. Driving under the influences will continue to be a crime. Ultimately, the bill seeks to safeguard public health—especially that of young people.
Right and Responsibility
The proposed law would allow adults to grow three cannabis female plants in their homes, in a similar fashion to that which was recently adopted in Germany, and also proposed by the Czech Republic. In order to combat the illicit trade more effectively, there will also be an increase in penalties for non-authorized sales or cultivation. All minors will remain excluded by the law.
Elias Galantay (IG Hanf President) described this development as a historical step in Swiss cannabis policy. Association members welcomed the decision of the committee and promised to examine the law draft in depth to ensure a factual, responsible approach to regulatory. IG Hanf is hopeful that the new law will strengthen youth prevention and improve protection by limiting access to cannabis and reducing harms associated with it.
Opportunity Economic
Switzerland’s new regulatory model could also be a great opportunity for its economy. IG Hanf says that a legal, transparent cannabis market can generate revenue for the government and open up new opportunities to Swiss farmers. Switzerland, with the right oversight and regulations in place, could become a leader on cannabis innovation and regulation.
After the SGK-N approved the law draft, a three-month public consultation will start at the end August. A revised version of this draft law, after the feedback from the public is reviewed, will then be sent to the Federal Council. The National Council, and Council of States, can then further discuss the issue.
Switzerland’s conservative Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has already voiced opposition to the bill, citing concerns about the potential social impact of legal cannabis use—despite a lack of such evidence emerging from the pilot programs. It is not likely that the law will be implemented before summer 2026. A national referendum could also take place.
Cannabis Law Resources for Poland
Browse essential legal pages on cannabis sales and cultivation in Poland. You can use these resources to learn about the requirements for certifications, permissions and compliance.
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Polish News Registration and Interests of Cannabis Businesses
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Permissions for Cannabis Sales in Poland
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Authorization for Importing or Manufacturing Medical Products
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Permission for Manufacturing or Importing Medical Products
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Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
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Registration of Medical Products in Poland