Cannabis Laws in Switzerland: Why “Legalize it!” Is So Important Today

Even in 2026, Swiss cannabis law remains more complex than it appears at first glance. While cannabis products containing less than 1 percent THC are legally available under certain conditions, significantly stricter rules continue to apply to cannabis containing at least 1 percent THC.

At the same time, scientific pilot projects are underway, and the planned Cannabis Products Act is sparking discussions about a fundamental reorientation of Swiss cannabis policy.

Anyone who wants to understand what is permitted today, what political changes are planned, and what rights consumers have therefore needs reliable information. This is precisely where the Zurich-based organization Legalize it! has been doing important work for decades. For us at Herba di Berna, this combination of legal information, political education, and practical support is particularly valuable.

Why “Legalize It!” Is Important for Cannabis Law in Switzerland

For decades, Legalize it! has been addressing the legal and social situation surrounding cannabis in Switzerland. Its work has long gone beyond simply calling for a different cannabis policy. Rather, the organization documents the evolution of Swiss cannabis law, addresses issues of repression, analyzes legislative proposals, and provides comprehensive information for users.

In addition, Legalize it! offers its members support with legal questions related to THC. Precisely because Swiss cannabis law consists of various statutes, exceptions, and practical nuances, we believe such independent sources of information are important.

Herba di Berna is a corporate member and has been following the organization’s work for a long time. As early as 2021, we wrote about the legal advice provided by Legalize it! on our blog. A lot has changed politically since then, which is why it’s worth taking a fresh look at the organization’s work in 2026.

Cannabis Laws in Switzerland in 2026: What Are the Current Rules?

Why Repression Remains an Issue in Swiss Cannabis Law

The political debate surrounding cannabis has changed significantly in recent years. At the same time, the current legal situation has not evolved at the same pace. That is why Legalize it! continues to focus intensively on law enforcement and the practical implementation of drug laws.

It’s not just what’s written in a law that matters. Equally important is how the police, prosecutors, and other authorities apply these rules in practice. That’s why Legalize it! collects, among other things, information and documents on specific cases to shed light on this practical aspect of Swiss cannabis law.

For us, this perspective is part of a pragmatic cannabis policy. On the one hand, we need to discuss what future regulations might look like. On the other hand, we should also consider the impact that existing regulations have on users.

How the CanPG Could Change Swiss Cannabis Law

In parallel with the current legal situation, Switzerland is working on a potential new legal framework. The proposed Cannabis Products Act (CanPG) aims to more comprehensively regulate cannabis for non-medical purposes. The focus is particularly on protecting public health, safeguarding minors, and determining how production and distribution could be regulated in the future.

However, it is important to distinguish between political developments and current law: The CanPG will not yet be law in 2026. Following the public consultation, the relevant committee of the National Council took note of the feedback received in May 2026 and tasked its subcommittee with revising the bill. Work on the future model will therefore continue.

If such regulation were actually adopted at a later date, it would fundamentally change Swiss cannabis law. Instead of a broad ban on non-medical THC-containing cannabis, a regulated system for production, distribution, oversight, and consumption would then have to be established.

Anyone who wants to follow political developments more closely can find a continuously updated overview of the Cannabis Products Act and the parliamentary initiative at Legalize it! We, too, have already discussed the topic in more detail in our article on the Cannabis Products Act (CanPG) from the perspective of a Swiss producer and specialty retailer.

Pilot Projects and Cannabis Laws in Switzerland: What Züri Can Shows

While policymakers are working on future Swiss cannabis legislation, regulated models are already being tested in practice. Since 2021, the Narcotics Act has permitted scientific pilot studies involving the controlled distribution of cannabis. The aim is to generate insights that can be used for potential future regulation.

One of these projects is “Züri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility.” The city of Zurich, in collaboration with scientific partners, is investigating how the purchase of responsibly grown cannabis products under regulated conditions affects consumption and health. At the same time, the project is comparing different distribution models.

The project has been underway since the summer of 2023 and has since been extended through October 2028. This will allow for the collection of additional data and the examination of developments over a longer period of time.

One of the participating distribution centers is the Hanfstübli, a legal cannabis social club that emerged from the Legalize it! movement. As part of the Züri Can program, approved study participants receive controlled cannabis products there under the terms of the pilot project.

As part of Züri Can, resin products are dispensed under controlled conditions alongside cannabis flowers. If you’re looking for low-THC products from our legal CBD lineup, you’ll find a selection at Buy CBD Hash.

Such pilot projects do not yet constitute widespread legalization. Nevertheless, they are relevant to the political debate because, for the first time, experiences with various regulated distribution models can be systematically examined.

Why Education Is So Important in Swiss Cannabis Law

Support “Legalize it!” and promote cannabis education

Political advocacy, legal information, and representation of interests don’t happen on their own. Anyone who would like to support the organization’s work can therefore become a member of Legalize it!

Among other benefits, members receive the association’s regularly published magazine, invitations to member meetings, and an up-to-date legal overview. In addition, Legalize it! offers its members free legal advice on questions related to THC. We at Herba di Berna are happy to recommend joining.

Cannabis Laws in Switzerland: Our Conclusion

There is currently a lot of activity surrounding Swiss cannabis law. On the one hand, clear restrictions continue to apply to cannabis containing at least 1 percent THC. On the other hand, pilot projects are providing practical experience with regulated models, while work on the Cannabis Products Act continues.

Reliable legal information and an objective political discussion are particularly important during this transitional phase. That is why we support the work of Legalize it! and the dialogue between advocacy groups, academia, policymakers, consumers, and the Swiss hemp industry.

Sources and Further Information