Does Switzerland have a recreational use program?

No, Switzerland does not have a recreational use program.

Does Switzerland have a medical program?

Yes, medical cannabis is legal in Switzerland. Although Switzerland first approved medical marijuana in 2008, the law didn’t go into effect until 2011. 

What are the rules for medical use?

To prescribe medical cannabis, a physician needs to apply to the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). Previously, patients seeking access to medical cannabis were also required to obtain a specific permit from the BAG. However, a significant development occurred in March 2021 when the Federal Council amended the Swiss Narcotics Act, eliminating the prohibition on medicinal cannabis. As a result of this legislative change, patients are now permitted to directly obtain cannabis from pharmacies without the need to go through the federal office.

Additionally, individuals are allowed to cultivate cannabis for medical purposes, provided that the cultivation facility has approval from the BAG.

Despite these rules, getting medical marijuana in Switzerland is difficult, and there is no formal guide explaining how to use it correctly for treatment. As a result, Switzerland only has a few hundred registered users of medicinal cannabis.

What are the qualifying medical conditions for eligibility?

• Epilepsy
• Severe tremors
• Cancer
• Spasticity
• Nausea
• Chronic pain

What are the medical program limits?

In Switzerland, relatively few pharmacies are permitted to give prescriptions for medical marijuana, and medical cannabis prescriptions are only valid for a year.

Sativex is the only product that is currently approved for use in medicine, and patients may only receive a prescription for it if they have spasticity (such as MS or paraplegia).

In September 2019, the European Medicines Agency authorized Epidiolex. This medication, which is derived from cannabis, is used to treat uncommon types of severe childhood epilepsy.

What methods of use are permitted under the medical program?

No clear medical rules yet.

Is there home delivery for medical cannabis?

Some websites provide patients with medical cannabis home delivery services.

Is CBD legal in Switzerland?

Yes, CBD extracted from hemp is permitted in Switzerland. Since CBD products are exempt from the Swiss Narcotics Act, any CBD product with less than 1% THC can be sold lawfully in Switzerland.

Every CBD product needs to be categorized legally and in compliance with specific guidelines. CBD products that include more than 1% THC can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription.

Is cannabis decriminalized in Switzerland?

Yes, cannabis is decriminalized in Switzerland. In 2013, the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis in small amounts was decriminalized.

A fine of 100 Swiss francs is imposed for this infraction. Larger-scale cannabis possession is illegal and carries a jail term of one to three years, along with or without a fine.