Switzerland To Open Consultation On Cannabis Legalization

Back in February of this year, Switzerland’s Social Security and Health Committee of the National Council gave preliminary approval to an adult-use cannabis legalization plan by a 14-9 vote. The successful committee vote started Switzerland on a path to modernize its national recreational cannabis laws, potentially.

“Public health and youth protection must be placed at the heart of a renewed cannabis policy. Adults must be granted strictly regulated access to cannabis. In addition, to ensure that consumption is not encouraged, cannabis products must not be sold for profit and must be subject to an incentive tax. This is what is provided for in the draft drawn up by the National Council’s Social Security and Public Health Committee (CSSS-N).” the committee stated in a translated press release at the time.

The Swiss government is reportedly continuing to move forward with the proposal, recently announcing that it is set to open up a public consultation period to allow people and entities to weigh in on the proposal.

“The legalization of cannabis in Switzerland has reached a new milestone. Last Friday, the Health Committee of the Swiss National Council (SGK-N) approved a bill that provides for strictly regulated access to cannabis for adults. This lays the foundation for a possible legalization of cannabis, with a focus on public health and youth prevention.” reported Cannabis Industrie in its original coverage (translated to English).

“The legalization of cannabis plays a central role in this bill, which will be submitted for consultation at the end of August. Civil society organizations, government bodies, and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to voice their opinions until November.” the outlet also wrote.

Below are the key points of the proposal being considered in Switzerland:

• Cannabis will remain classified as a narcotic.
• Adult residents can cultivate up to three plants in their private residences.
• Eventual sales will be subject to a state monopoly. Sales must not be for profit. Any profits are allocated to prevention, harm reduction and addiction support.
• Vertical integration is prohibited.
• Advertising is prohibited, including for cannabis seeds and cuttings and accessories related to the consumption of cannabis.
• Cannabis products will be subject to an incentive tax “in order to limit consumption and direct it towards less risky forms.” The tax rate will be tied to “THC content and the type of consumption.” Cantons may levy “a monitoring tax and fees.”
• Penalties will be increased for “people who evade the legal market.”
• A “zero tolerance” approach to driving under the influence will be instituted, with anyone proven to “have consumed cannabis” being “considered unfit to drive.”

The legalization proposal being considered involves permitting adults to possess a personal amount of cannabis. However, a specific possession limit has not been identified yet. According to the previously cited committee press release, “Maximum quantities for private and public possession apply,” but quantities were ultimately not specified.

Currently, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Czech Republic have all approved national adult-use cannabis legalization measures in Europe, with Czechia’s legalization law set to take effect on January 1st, 2026. Additionally, Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa have also adopted national recreational cannabis legalization measures.