Earlier this year, the Swiss Commission for Social Security and Health launched a public consultation for an adult-use cannabis legalization proposal. Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in several jurisdictions in Switzerland, and the European nation appears to be on track to eventually spread legalization nationwide.

Currently, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Czech Republic have all adopted national adult-use cannabis legalization measures, with Czechia’s law set to take effect at the beginning of next year. Beyond the European continent, Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa have also adopted national adult-use legalization measures. The City of Lucerne’s City Council recently came out in support of adding Switzerland to the list of legalized nations.

“The introduction of regulations for cannabis use and the market is expressly welcomed by the city council,” the Lucerne City Council stated, as reported by Zentral Plus in its local reporting (translated from German to English).

“According to the city council, prices, sales volumes and THC limits should be designed in such a way that they can compete with the black market on the one hand, while minimizing health risks on the other.” the outlet also wrote in its coverage.

Switzerland’s public consultation period will continue until December 1st. Switzerland’s National Council’s Social Security and Public Health Committee gave preliminary approval to the adult-use cannabis legalization plan by a 14-9 vote back in February.

“The consultation is more than a formal step; it’s an opportunity to openly discuss opportunities and concerns. Only through a broad public debate can we create a cannabis law that ensures safety and acceptance in society,” said Elias Galantay, President of IG Hanf Schweiz (Swiss Hemp Industry Association), according to previous reporting by krautinvest (translated from German to English).

If enacted, the current version of the draft proposal would include:

• Allowing adults to cultivate up to 3 cannabis plants in their private residences
• Setting a private adult possession limit at 75 grams
• Allowing member-based cultivation associations to operate
• Prohibiting advertising
• Permitting national adult-use cannabis sales, with Swiss Cantons retaining local control
• Taxing legal sales
• A heavy focus on boosting public health outcomes
• A ban on vertical integration
• Capping sales to ‘a total-THC content of five grams’
• Require seed-to-sale tracking
• Set hours of operation for retail locations and delivery services
• Limiting legal sales to Switzerland citizens

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, but it does participate in the Schengen Zone. The Schengen Zone is a border-free area that allows for the free movement of goods, and Switzerland’s participation in it will influence the nation’s adult-use cannabis commerce framework. Switzerland’s heavy focus on improving public health outcomes and limiting the profitability of the cannabis industry should help maintain compliance.