Medical Cannabis in Switzerland: What the Rules Actually Are Today

Medical cannabis is more accessible in Switzerland today than it was just a few years ago. When this article was first published in December 2020, the National Council had just approved a legislative amendment. At that time, healthcare professionals still needed a special exemption from the Federal Office of Public Health if they wanted to prescribe cannabis-based medicines.

The Swiss Parliament lifted this ban as of August 1, 2022. Since then, treating professionals have been deciding together with the individuals concerned whether cannabis therapy is an option. Fortunately, an exemption from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is no longer required.

Nevertheless, the title from back then—“Cannabis Is a Remedy, Period”—no longer applies today. Medical cannabis can help with certain conditions, but it does not work the same way for everyone. Furthermore, the evidence, side effects, and benefits vary significantly depending on the condition, the product, and the dosage.

This updated article explains the current regulations governing medical cannabis in Switzerland, what new studies are available, and why an objective assessment is more important than euphoria or rejection.

What does medical cannabis mean in Switzerland?

The term “medical cannabis” encompasses various cannabis-based medications. These include approved over-the-counter medications, cannabis flowers, and so-called compounded medications.

In a compounding prescription, a pharmacy prepares a medication individually for a specific person based on a doctor’s prescription. Depending on the prescription, the preparation contains THC, CBD, or a combination of both cannabinoids.

The key factor is the product’s intended medical use. Not every product derived from the hemp plant is automatically considered a medicine. Over-the-counter CBD products therefore do not fall into the same category as medically prescribed cannabis preparations.

If you’d like to better understand the biological principles behind THC, CBD, and the body’s own cannabinoids, you’ll find a detailed explanation in our article on the endocannabinoid system.

What changed on August 1, 2022?

Before the law was amended, healthcare professionals had to apply to the FOPH for an exemption for each cannabis therapy. This process took time and made access more difficult.

As of August 1, 2022, healthcare professionals are authorized to prescribe cannabis-based medications directly. They bear medical responsibility for this and, among other things, assess:

• What are the symptoms?
• What treatments have been used so far?
• Which product is right for this situation?
• What are the risks and interactions?
• How is the course of treatment progressing?

However, the new regulation did not legalize the private cultivation of THC-containing cannabis. Swissmedic continues to regulate the cultivation, production, processing, and trade of medical cannabis. Companies must obtain the appropriate operating and cultivation permits to do so.

The FOPH will also collect data on treatments through 2029. Through this effort, the federal government aims to better understand prescribing practices and gain additional insights into efficacy and safety.

For which conditions is cannabis a potential treatment option?

In Swiss medical practice, healthcare professionals primarily use cannabis-based medications to treat certain chronic conditions. The FOPH specifically mentions:

However, this list does not mean that cannabis is effective for every person affected. Specialists often consider cannabis therapy only when established treatments are not sufficiently effective or cause severe side effects—something we at Herba di Berna find regrettable.

You can find out more about the latest research findings in our article ” Cannabis Studies 2025.”

What does the research say about medical cannabis?

The body of research has evolved since 2020. At the same time, it continues to vary widely depending on the disease.

Researchers are particularly focused on studying cannabis-based medications for chronic pain. A systematic review updated in 2025 reached a sobering conclusion: Certain THC-CBD formulations can, on average, slightly reduce pain. At the same time, side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and nausea occur more frequently.

A large Phase 3 study conducted in 2025 investigated a standardized full-spectrum cannabis extract for chronic back pain. A total of 820 adults participated. After twelve weeks, pain intensity decreased more significantly in the cannabis group than in the placebo group.

However, the average difference between the two groups was only 0.6 points on a scale of 0 to 10. At the same time, 83.3 percent of the treated individuals reported side effects, compared with 67.3 percent in the placebo group. Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and drowsiness were particularly common.

The result is interesting, but it does not prove that this is a universal pain reliever. A statistically significant difference may be relevant for some individuals, while others may benefit very little or discontinue treatment due to side effects.

New Findings on Mental Illness

Many people also associate medical cannabis with anxiety, sleep problems, depression, or post-traumatic stress. This is precisely where a particularly careful assessment is needed.

A comprehensive review published in 2026 analyzed 54 randomized trials on the use of cannabinoids for mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Overall, the researchers found no convincing evidence of efficacy for most of the disorders studied.

Particularly in the case of anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and opioid dependence, the evidence was insufficient to recommend cannabinoids as an effective standard treatment.

This does not mean that individuals do not experience subjective improvement. However, personal experiences are not sufficient to reliably demonstrate medical efficacy. This is why, especially when it comes to mental health issues, a careful diagnosis and professional support are essential.

For a more in-depth discussion of mental health risks, see our article “Cannabis and Psychosis.”

What roles do THC and CBD play?

THC and CBD are among the best-known cannabinoids in the hemp plant. Nevertheless, they differ significantly.

THC has an intoxicating effect. Among other things, it can affect pain perception, muscle tension, appetite, and nausea. At the same time, THC can cause dizziness, fatigue, heart palpitations, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, or changes in perception.

CBD does not cause the typical “high.” Medical professionals use pharmaceutical-grade CBD, for example, to treat certain forms of epilepsy that are difficult to manage. Researchers are also investigating CBD in other areas, but many potential uses are not yet considered to be sufficiently substantiated.

CBD can also cause side effects. These include fatigue, digestive issues, and interactions with other medications. At higher medical doses, liver function tests may also be affected.

That is why it is not just the name of the cannabinoid that matters. Composition, dosage, form of administration, concomitant medications, and individual factors significantly influence the benefits.

What are the known side effects and risks?

Just because a substance is used for medical purposes does not automatically mean it is risk-free. Cannabis-based medications containing THC can cause the following symptoms, among others:

That is why healthcare professionals do not just check whether the symptoms are subsiding. They also assess the patient’s ability to drive, concentration, sleep, ability to function in daily life, and quality of life.

If the side effects outweigh the potential benefits, healthcare professionals and patients should work together to adjust or discontinue the treatment.

Does health insurance cover medical cannabis?

The simplified prescribing process did not automatically lead to widespread coverage. Mandatory health insurance currently covers cannabis-based medications only in exceptional cases.

As a rule, prior authorization is required. For this, several conditions must be met. Health insurance companies often require, among other things:

• a serious or chronic illness
• missing or exhausted treatment options
• a clear medical justification
• a significant expected therapeutic benefit

The FOP estimates the average monthly treatment costs at about 300 to 500 francs. The exact amount depends on the medication, the dosage, and the condition.

For many people, therefore, financial access remains difficult. While the legislative change removed an administrative hurdle, it did not solve the cost problem.

Is it legal to grow medical cannabis yourself?

Medical cannabis in Switzerland is not the same as over-the-counter CBD

This distinction is particularly important for Herba di Berna.

Medical cannabis is part of a treatment plan supervised by a physician. Specialists select an appropriate medication, pharmacies prepare a compounding formula as needed, and medical authorities monitor the treatment.

Over-the-counter CBD products, on the other hand, are subject to different legal requirements. Depending on their intended use, they may fall under chemical regulations, cosmetics regulations, food regulations, or tobacco product regulations.

They are not automatically considered medicinal products and must not make any claims regarding healing. Herba di Berna products are also not a substitute for medically prescribed cannabis therapy. Use the products exclusively in accordance with their labeling and intended use.

Especially in cases of severe or chronic conditions, self-medication is not a safe alternative to a medical evaluation. On the black market, it is also impossible to verify the purity and THC content of the product, which completely negates any medical benefit.

Why the old title no longer fits

The original title was: “Cannabis Is a Remedy, No Ifs, Ands, or Buts.” In 2020, this statement reflected the excitement over political progress.

Today, however, we have a clearer understanding of just how complex the situation is. Medical cannabis has an established role in certain medical fields. At the same time, its benefits for many conditions remain limited, unclear, or have not yet been sufficiently researched.

In addition, side effects, drug interactions, and psychological risks may occur. For this reason, medical cannabis requires clear indications, controlled formulations, and regular monitoring.

Responsible communication means explaining the benefits without portraying cannabis as a universal solution.

Conclusion: Medical Cannabis in Switzerland: Progress Without False Promises

Medical cannabis has been significantly more accessible in Switzerland since August 2022. Healthcare professionals no longer need a special exemption from the FOPH and can now evaluate and prescribe treatment directly.

Nevertheless, questions remain. Basic health insurance rarely covers the costs. Furthermore, not every medication is equally effective for every condition. Recent studies point to both potential benefits and clear limitations.

Better data is now available, particularly for chronic pain. On average, however, the improvements are often rather small, while side effects occur relatively frequently. For many mental health conditions, there is still a lack of convincing evidence of efficacy.

As a Bern-based company, we would like to contribute to an objective discussion throughout Switzerland. Medical opportunities deserve attention. At the same time, those affected deserve honest information rather than exaggerated promises.

List of sources

Federal Office of Public Health: Medical Use of Cannabis
Federal Office of Public Health: FAQs on Cannabis Medicines
Swissmedic: Cannabis Agency and Medical Cannabis Cultivation
Chou et al.: Living Systematic Review on Cannabis and Other Plant-Based Treatments for Chronic Pain, 2025 Update
Karst et al.: Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Phase 3 Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Wilson et al.: The Efficacy and Safety of Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders
Swissmedic: Epidyolex with Cannabidiol for Certain Forms of Epilepsy