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 for
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) once again demonstrates the urgency of a
Regulation of cannabis in Switzerland. Switzerland’s most important industry association, the
IG Hemp takes a firm stand on this and says: “Through state regulation, it is possible to
quality and purity of the cannabis, the protection of minors, and the
and to provide information, advice and assistance to the
Prevent Problematic Consumption.”

Various Swiss cities are beginning to implement cannabis pilot projects. For example
Basel, Zurich, Lausanne and Bern, to name but a few. Since the implementation of the pilot tests
is regulated at the cantonal level, there are differences in the design. In Zurich, the delivery of
Cannabis regulated through dispensaries. Lausanne relies – similar to Spain – on the model of the
Cannabis social clubs as dispensaries.

Resistance in the Canton of Bern

In the Bernese government council (canton), on the other hand, resistance to the planned implementation is stirring
of the pilot project in the city of Bern. Pharmacies, he said, are not the appropriate place to dispense
addictive substances, according to the motion of SVP councillor Patrick Freudiger. The motion was adopted by the
Government Council approved. Now it is up to the Grand Council to evaluate this political proposal.
In the meantime, however, the FOPH has called off the government council. For this purpose the canton
nothing to say, says the Federal Office of Public Health.

Hemp federation: Pharmacy levy not meaningful

Even if IG Hemp does not agree with the argumentation of the motion makers, it shares the
View that pharmacies are not 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 specifics of the federal structure of the Swiss administration and the
policy is taken into account and tax revenues are generated to finance flanking 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?

Do politicians who advocate legalization, i.e. mental
Switzerland’s health at risk? “No, not at all,” defends center national councilor Heinz
Siegenthaler. Especially to protect health, it is important to legalize cannabis: “Only
so we can ensure that the end consumer receives a product that has passed through quality control and is clear about 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 Hanf 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