Zurich to launch recreational cannabis trial

Zurich is launching a new trial that will allow people to buy cannabis products from pharmacies and social clubs under controlled conditions from next year.

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, announced a three and a half year pilot scheme that will allow the sale of cannabis products. Products will be available with different combinations of THC and CBD.

Local manufacturers will need a production permit which will available from the Federal Office of Public Health. This will help to ensure quality and standards.

Züri can

The scheme titled the Züri Can, cannabis with responsibility will start next year and is possible thanks to a change in the law that was introduced by the Swiss parliament in 2020. The law allows cities to conduct scientific studies on the effects of the cannabis market and of recreational use.

The trial will also be supervised by Zurich University’ psychiatric hospital.

In a statement, the City of Zurich, Zurich pharmacy network and Zurich University said: “For years, the City of Zurich and the Psychiatric University Clinic in Zurich have been committed to an objective and low-risk approach to cannabis use. In mid-May 2021, changes to the Narcotics Act came into force, which allow pilot tests for regulated cannabis sales. On this legal basis, the Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich, in cooperation with the City of Zurich, wants to research models of the regulated purchase of cannabis and its effects on the health and consumption behaviour of the consumer.”

“The aim of the Zurich study is to provide relevant knowledge on the best possible use of cannabis. The study is intended to promote public health, maintain public safety and support the protection of minors.”

Cannabis history

In a survey, one-third of the Swiss population reported using cannabis at some stage with 200,000 reporting they use it frequently.

However, an initiative to decrinmalise cannabis for personal consumption was defeated in 2008 by almost two-thirds of the vote. This marked the second time there was a national vote on the issue of cannabis.

Zurich will be the first city in Switzerland to take part in the scheme but other cities may follow such as Bern or Geneva.

Read more: Ryan’s Law would allow cannabis use in California hospitals