PI Siegenthaler for a new regulation of cannabis policy

Some time ago, National Councilor Heinz Siegenthaler (center) submitted a parliamentary initiative (PI) calling for far-reaching new regulation of the cultivation, production, trade and consumption of cannabis containing THC. With this demand, the initiative, which was co-signed by about 40 parliamentarians, is based on a recommendation of the Federal Commission on Narcotic Drugs. In April, the initiative was approved by the National Council’s Commission for Social Security and Health (SGK-N) by 13 votes to 11. This bodes well for a major step toward a legal and coherently regulated cannabis market that would open up new opportunities for the rapidly growing cannabis industry.

A “new regulation” of cannabis policy in Switzerland, what does that mean in concrete terms? PI Siegenthaler has targeted the following goals:
– The 4-pillar model of Swiss drug policy (prevention, therapy, harm reduction and repression) is taken into account
– Production and trade are controlled by state bodies, especially with regard to youth and consumer protection.
– The medical market should be clearly separated from the non-medical market
– A repeal of prohibition should lead to a drying up of the black market
– The advertising and taxation of cannabis products is regulated
– Private cultivation for personal use is regulated

PI Siegenthaler acknowledges the fact that our current prohibition policy has obviously failed. Despite prohibition, there are around 300,000 people in Switzerland who regularly consume cannabis. They simply do this through the black market, which leads to major social and health problems. For example, products sold on the black market are often laced with artificial and toxic substances, which can cause serious damage to health. Furthermore, in addition to the lack of quality controls, consumer protection and information are practically non-existent. On the other hand, there is the possibility of generating tax revenue in legal and regulated distribution, as exists for tobacco and alcohol products, which can be used to promote addiction prevention and the protection of minors.

We are glad that this parliamentary initiative will initiate an exciting dialogue. From our point of view, the current situation with its legal and moral inconsistency is completely out of date. A new regulation offers the possibility to better exploit the numerous, diverse uses of the hemp plant. With the PI Siegenthaler, the current scientific status could also be taken note of at the same time, which clearly shows that the consumption of cannabis is no more harmful than alcohol and tobacco products.

Next, PI Siegenthaler goes to the Council of States Health Committee and then to the National Council, which takes up the bill before the Council of States. Of course, we will keep you updated in this discussion as well.