"Cannabis in road traffic Switzerland

Driving on the road after cannabis consumption – what actually applies? And how does that work with CBD hemp? Unlike alcohol, the rules that apply to cannabis on the road are not yet part of general knowledge in Switzerland. There are well-known principles (“No drugs at the wheel”). However, these are only moderately helpful when it comes to specific everyday situations.

The most important facts in brief about cannabis in road traffic in Switzerland

Driving with THC in the blood above 1.5 ng/mL is illegal.
The consumption of CBD hemp usually results in less than 1.5 ng/mL THC. Nevertheless, rapid drug tests can still turn out positive.
With regular consumption of CBD hemp, the value can rise above the limit.
3-4.1 ng/mL THC has a similar effect to 0.5‰ alcohol.
The risk of accidents is particularly high in the first hour after THC consumption.
Mixed consumption of THC and alcohol massively increases the inability to drive.

The THC limit in Switzerland

The legal THC limit in road traffic is 1.5 ng/mL blood serum. That sounds clear, but it is not. It is an “analytical limit value”. Whether driving ability was actually impaired is irrelevant.

In the case of alcohol, 0.5‰ is the value at which driving ability is scientifically proven to decrease. This value is based on numerous studies. The THC limit, on the other hand, has been set so low that it is de facto equivalent to zero tolerance.

Zero tolerance – background and criticism (H2)

The zero tolerance is justified in different ways. On the one hand, cannabis is illegal anyway, so strict rules are needed. On the other hand, experts argue that it is difficult to set a fair limit, as the effects and degradation of THC vary greatly.

The problem is that consumers cannot know how much THC they have ingested. Different strains, frequency of consumption and individual metabolic rates influence the values. There is no practical relevance here as with alcohol (a glass of wine ≠ 0.5‰).

Problems with CBD hemp in road traffic

CBD hemp may contain up to 1 % THC in Switzerland. This is not normally sufficient for values above 1.5 ng/mL, but can falsify rapid drug tests.

A positive test leads to complex proceedings: Blood and urine samples, provisional withdrawal of driving license and high procedural costs. Regular users can still be over the limit days later – even if the effects have long since worn off.

Current studies on driving ability

A study commissioned by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) showed:

The first impairments occur at 1-2.5 ng/mL THC.
From 3-4.1 ng/mL the driving ability is comparable to 0.5‰ alcohol.
The risk of accidents increases significantly above 5 ng/mL.

The risk is particularly high in the first hour after consumption. After that, it decreases again after 2-4 hours, similar to alcohol.

Differences between Europe & cannabis in road traffic Switzerland

The legal situation is very different:

Zero tolerance: Sweden, Spain, Slovenia.
Analytical limits like Switzerland: Germany, France, Belgium.
Practical limit values: Great Britain, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic (2-3 ng/mL).
Special models: Norway with penalties depending on THC concentration, Netherlands with distinction between pure cannabis and mixed use.

What’s next in Switzerland?

It is still unclear how Switzerland will adapt the rules. The following are conceivable:

Maintaining zero tolerance.
Increase to 3 ng/mL, comparable to 0.5‰ alcohol.
Graduated penalties as in Norway.

The discussion is closely linked to the planned legalization of cannabis. A new, practical solution will be needed by then at the latest.

Conclusion: Cannabis in road traffic in Switzerland

The current regulation is strict and impractical. Anyone who consumes THC risks penalties even if they are not impaired. Problems can also arise with CBD hemp, even though it is legal.

👉 Tip: Plan enough time after consuming cannabis or CBD flowers before getting into the car. And avoid mixed consumption with alcohol at all costs.

Frequently asked questions about cannabis in road traffic in Switzerland

Can I drive after consuming CBD?

Yes, CBD is legal (< 1 % THC). However, rapid tests can be positive and trigger proceedings.

How long does THC remain detectable in the blood?

With infrequent consumption usually < 6 hours. With regular consumption several days.

What is the THC limit in Switzerland? (H3)
1.5 ng/mL blood serum – regardless of actual driving ability.

Further information & products

You can find more about high-quality Swiss hemp in our categories

All products come from sustainable cultivation and are laboratory-tested in Switzerland.

CBD OIL with 0%-THC for 0 problems in road traffic