Cannabis in the focus of the public

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Media release of IG Hemp, July 5, 2022

As a member of IG Hemp, Herba di Berna reproduces here the latest media release of the association:

Discussions about cantonal pilot projects and a report by the UN Office on
Drugs and Crime (UNODC) once again demonstrate the urgency of
regulating cannabis in Switzerland. Switzerland’s most important industry association,
IG Hanf, has taken a firm stance on the issue and says: “State regulation can
have a positive influence on the quality and purity of cannabis, ensure the protection of minors
and prevent problematic use through information, advice and support services
.”

Various Swiss cities are beginning to implement cannabis pilot projects. For example
Basel, Zurich, Lausanne and Bern, to name but a few. As the implementation of the pilot trials
is regulated at cantonal level, there are differences in the design. In Zurich, the distribution of
cannabis is regulated via pharmacies. Lausanne – similar to Spain – relies on the model of
Cannabis Social Clubs as dispensaries.

Resistance in the Canton of Bern

The Bernese cantonal government, on the other hand, is resisting the planned implementation
of the pilot project in the city of Bern. Pharmacies are not the right place to dispense
addictive substances, according to the motion by SVP councillor Patrick Freudiger. The motion was approved by the
government council. It is now up to the Grand Council to evaluate this political initiative.
In the meantime, however, the FOPH has called off the Government Council. According to the Federal Office of Public Health, the canton of
has no say in the matter.

Hemp federation: Pharmacy levy not meaningful

Even if IG Hemp does not agree with the argumentation of the motion’s authors, it shares the
view that pharmacies are not the appropriate dispensaries for cannabis as a stimulant. Specialized stores with the appropriate know-how would be better. The fact that the pilot projects are structured differently depending on the canton is to be welcomed, as they serve to obtain scientific data that can serve as a basis for the debate on legalization. IG Hanf has developed a 10-point plan in cooperation with Sucht Schweiz and Cannabis Consensus Schweiz.

10-point plan for Swiss hemp legalization

The goal of the hemp association’s 10-point plan is to combine safety and public health with a regionally based, responsible and sustainable Swiss cannabis economy. The special features of the federalist structure of the Swiss administration and
policy are to be taken into account and tax revenue generated to finance accompanying measures. More information:

  1. Protect youth from the negative effects of cannabis use
  2. Promote use of cannabis products with low health risks
  3. Educate consumers about the risks
  4. Prevent and punish the performance of certain professional activities under the influence of cannabis
  5. Restrict cannabis in public spaces and cannabis advertising
  6. Control cannabis production and quality and ensure traceability
  7. Separate medical cannabis market and non-medical cannabis market
  8. Sale of cannabis products in specialized stores
  9. Tax cannabis to fund accompanying measures
  10. Regulate cannabis production for personal use

And what do the politicians say?

Are politicians who speak out in favour of legalization therefore putting Switzerland’s mental
health at risk? “No, not at all,” defends centrist National Councillor Heinz
Siegenthaler. It is precisely to protect health that it is important to legalize cannabis: “Only
in this way can we ensure that the end consumer receives a product that has undergone quality control and where it is clear how much THC it contains. With alcohol, the end consumer also knows how much of it is in beer and how much in whiskey,” says Siegenthaler.

About IG Hemp
IG Hemp is the trade association of the Swiss cannabis industry. It represents its members vis-à-vis politicians, authorities and the public. In doing so, it promotes exchange and cooperation among members, thereby strengthening the cannabis industry in Switzerland.

Their mission is to create a regulated cannabis market to ensure Switzerland is at the forefront of the global cannabis industry. IG Hemp sets new standards for its members and the industry. First and foremost with the quality label Swiss Certified Cannabis, which guarantees reliable product and consumer safety. IG Hanf is also a founding member of the Cannabis Consensus Switzerland association, in which organizations and political parties jointly pave the way for an open and responsible approach to cannabis.

Further information: www.ighanf.ch | www.swiss-certified-cannabis.ch | www.ighanf.ch/ehrenkodex