Switzerland Explores Legalization of Recreational Cannabis

In Switzerland, cannabis is currently legal only for medical use or for non-medical purposes if it contains less than one percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Switzerland is taking a step toward legalizing recreational cannabis, following a proposal from a parliamentary commission that advocates for a strictly regulated framework for sale and use.

On Friday, the lower house of parliament's health commission approved the draft proposal with 14 votes in favor, nine against, and two abstentions. The measure seeks to grant adults controlled access to cannabis while maintaining strict regulations due to health concerns.

Current Legal Landscape

At present, cannabis in Switzerland is legal only for medical use or non-medical consumption when it contains less than 1% THC—the psychoactive compound responsible for its intoxicating effects. However, despite these restrictions, the majority of consumers obtain cannabis illegally, the commission noted.

Citing a 2022 Swiss survey, the commission highlighted that 4% of residents aged 15 to 64 reported illegally consuming cannabis in the previous month, reinforcing its position that "cannabis is a societal reality."

Regulation, Not Prohibition

The commission believes the current prohibition is ineffective, advocating instead for a state-controlled model that prioritizes health and safety. The proposal includes:

• Legalization for adults (18+) to grow, purchase, possess, and consume cannabis.
• Strict regulations on commercial production, quality control, and packaging, with neutral branding and warning labels.
• A state monopoly on cannabis sales, with licensed outlets as the only legal distributors.
• Home cultivation allowance of up to three plants per person.
• Zero tolerance for driving under the influence and stricter penalties for illegal sales.
• Revenue reinvestment into prevention, harm reduction, and addiction support programs.

Political Divide

The Swiss Hemp Interest Group (IG Hanf) welcomed the move, calling it "a historic moment for Swiss cannabis policy." However, the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) strongly opposed the measure, with parliamentarian Céline Amaudruz pledging to "fight to the end," arguing that the proposal trivializes the risks of cannabis use.

Next Steps

The proposal is only the first step in a lengthy process, requiring approval from both houses of parliament and potentially a nationwide referendum under Switzerland’s direct democracy system. The commission emphasized that while legalization is the goal, "the law must regulate the cultivation, manufacture, and trade of cannabis, without encouraging its consumption."

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Source: NDTV