Swiss neutrality as a vicious circle

Cannabis, marijuana, dope, Mary Jane – the plant is known by different names. Over the past few years, opinions have varied widely about the effects and consumption of cannabis. While some countries legalize its use altogether, in others it is still banned and punished. Is that fair Some claim that marijuana damages the psyche and leads to aggressive behavior. However, many studies show the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Recreational marijuana use was allowed in Canada two years ago. Other countries, such as Switzerland, are a little more conservative.

Where is Swiss neutrality on the cannabis issue?

Switzerland, the small European country, is known for its neutrality in all world political affairs. But how does Switzerland deal with cannabis? Around 750,000 joints are smoked every day in Switzerland. A ban “makes little sense,” said Adrian Gschwend from the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) last week. The BAG therefore considers legalizing cannabis use to be more sensible than continuing to support the black market with bans. Switzerland is currently back in a neutral position – typically. Cannabis is not completely banned, but there are some restrictions. Currently, you can legally grow, sell, and consume cannabis with up to 1.0% THC. Anything with a higher THC content is prohibited. The fine for illegal possession and consumption is a bit ridiculous – CHF 100 as a fine. This makes us wonder if it would be easier to legalize cannabis rather than spending manpower and hours on such a ban.

Which cannabis products can be bought in Switzerland?

Anything up to 1.0% THC can be legally consumed. So you can buy CBD oil, CBD flowers and CBD drops in a Swiss CBD shop as long as the 1.0% THC rule is adhered to. You can now find various stores that specialize in selling legal CBD products. In order to meet the guidelines, there are also some cannabis breeders in Switzerland who have modified the cannabis plant to meet the guidelines.

What does the future of cannabis look like in Switzerland?

The 2017 pilot project in Bern wanted to test the sale of cannabis to selected consumers. But the federal government deviated from it at the time. It is now planned to carry out a new test project in August 2022 next year. Here, cannabis from organic and certified cultivation is to be sold to test persons. However, the federal government emphasizes that it is important that the product is organically grown. Further points are that the people must all be of legal age and already have experience with consumption. Although the Swiss population is not a big fan of cannabis, around 70% are behind the legalization of marijuana, according to a study. The population wants a safe, regulated and, as far as possible, drug-free society. The Swiss cannabis black market is big. Every year 582 million Swiss francs are sold on the black market – should the federal government take over the cannabis trade, that would be a large new amount for the state treasury … So will Switzerland really step out of its neutrality spiral and legalize cannabis?