Tag: Legalization

CBD edibles: health risk or health promotion

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Verschiedene Cannabis-Edibles auf einem Tisch.

A summary of the article about CBD edibles and their legislation in Switzerland by IG Hemp

CBD edibles, i.e. edible products containing cannabidiol, are currently causing a stir. Edibles are being tested in pilot projects in Switzerland– unlike in Germany, where they are banned due to the protection of minors.

But what exactly is allowed? And what opportunities and risks do CBD foods entail and why does Switzerland exclude CBD and cannabis foods from the law?

If you take a closer look at Swiss legislation (we also take a closer look here in our blog about hemp tea or right here in the Novel Food Ordinance), we quickly see that foods containing THC are classified as novel foods by the FOPH and are therefore subject to strict regulations. Nevertheless, they are currently being tested in pilot projects to better understand their effects.

According to the current legal situation, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) classifies CBD edibles as “novel foods”. These may only be placed on the market with special authorization.

“Foods containing CBD or THC are considered novel foods in Switzerland and may only be placed on the market with the approval of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).”
– Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), Art. 15 para. 1 LGV

International experience and safety concerns

Experience from Canada and the USA shows that the introduction of edibles has led to an increase in unintentional poisonings in children under the age of ten. In Canada, recommendations were therefore made to prevent such incidents.

Different legal framework conditions

In Switzerland, foods containing THC are classified as novel foods. Nevertheless, legal regulations allow THC edibles to be given to test subjects as part of pilot trials.

Calls are now being made to relax the regulations

Despite concerns, there are discussions about the sale of CBD edibles. The Maltese cannabis lobby Releaf argues that the sale of edibles containing THC in harm reduction facilities does not violate European law.

How can risks be minimized?

As overseas experience in Canada and America shows, there are potential risks associated with the sale of edibles in terms of the protection of minors. However, these can be reduced through technical ideas such as child-resistant packaging, preventative education campaigns and information on packaging. Careful regulation is crucial for successful implementation.

Conclusion

The regulation of cannabis edibles is important to establish a clear protection of minors and consumers. For this to succeed, a careful balance must be struck between health risks and the potential for harm reduction. Technical measures on packaging and comprehensive education of the public and future sales staff are essential to ensure the safety of consumers.

Sources: Cannabis edibles – health risk or “harm reduction”? – IG Hemp Switzerland

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Hemp oil with CBD: a natural booster for wound healing

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Flasche Hanföl mit CBD, umgeben von Hanfblättern und natürlichen Elementen, betont die natürliche Unterstützung bei der Wundheilung.

Who hasn’t experienced it? Not paying attention when cooking and the knife cuts your finger instead of the tomato. The impressive potential of hemp oil with cannabidiol (CBD) is evident in precisely such wounds. The latest findings from a group of researchers at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena suggest that CBD can promote wound healing by reducing inflammation and specifically supporting skin regeneration.

Why CBD is a helper in wound healing

The cannabinoid CBD, which is a central component of the hemp plant alongside THC, has strong antioxidant properties. These can reduce oxidative processes in the tissue and thus accelerate healing. CBD also has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to effectively fight bacterial infections – a real plus for skin health.

Benefits of CBD for the skin:

  • Antioxidant: Reduces harmful processes in the tissue.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Supports the healing process.
  • Antibacterial: Helps to fight infections.

Research results on CBD wound healing

Science is taking the first promising steps in relation to CBD and wound healing. More and more scientific studies, such as this one at the University of Jena, indicate that hemp oils with CBD could enrich dermatological applications. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in particular offer enormous potential. However, it remains important to await further research results in order to determine the best possible application methods.

Use of CBD hemp oil in dermatology

CBD hemp oils are increasingly seen as a natural alternative or supplement to conventional remedies. CBD has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on skin injuries or irritations. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult a specialist before use to clarify individual risks and interactions.

"Depiction of a bottle of CBD hemp oil next to a symbol for wound healing, with natural elements such as leaves in the background, in keeping with the theme of CBD's healing properties."

Conclusion: A versatile natural product

Hemp oil with CBD offers exciting prospects for skin care and wound treatment. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable aid to healing. While further scientific findings are awaited, CBD can already be an enrichment for dermatological care.

Discover the high-quality CBD oils from Herba di Berna here.

CBD oils
CBD range

Sources: Hemp helps to heal

Cannabis law: abolition or adaptation? An assessment by Peter Homberg”

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Peter Homberg gibt eine Einschätzung zum aktuellen Stand des Cannabis-Gesetzes in Deutschland


Can the cannabis law be abolished so easily? According to Peter Homberg, a complete abolition of the Cannabis Act is rather unlikely. In his assessment, he explains why legal and political hurdles are making a U-turn in cannabis policy more difficult.

Cannabis law abolition Homberg’s assessment?
The political race remains exciting and is running at full speed, and the CDU has already announced its intention to repeal the Cannabis Act (CanG) if it takes over the government. We share Homberg’s assessment and according to it, this scenario is rather unrealistic. But how realistic is this scenario really? Lawyer Peter Homberg, who specializes in cannabis, has provided a well-founded assessment on krautinvest.de. Here we summarize the most important points for you.

Can the CanG be abolished so easily?
If you listen carefully to Homberg, he believes that a complete abolition of the Cannabis Act is rather unlikely. Even if the CDU were to be in government in the future, it would have to rely on a coalition partner to overturn it with at least a 50% majority – and it is questionable whether these partners would support a complete turnaround in cannabis policy. In addition, there are already numerous cultivation associations that are licensed for several years, and a withdrawal of these licenses would hardly be legally feasible.

Detailed view of a law book with cannabis leaves as a symbol for the legal development around cannabis.



Cannabis Act abolition Homberg aptly says: “You can’t get the spirit of the CanG back into the bottle completely.” However, changes could relate to details, such as the permitted amount of cannabis that can be carried or stored.

What could change for cannabis clubs?
While existing clubs would probably be protected, a new government could increase the administrative hurdles for new clubs. Restrictions on home growing or changes to the legal framework for cultivation associations would also be conceivable. Nevertheless, a complete abolition of partial legalization seems politically and legally unrealistic.

Medical cannabis: will access remain?
Another hot topic is access to medical cannabis, which is regulated by the MedCanG. Homberg sees no cause for concern here. Cannabis remains subject to prescription and will not be reclassified as a narcotic. The recent liberalization, which has made access easier for SHI patients, would make a downgrading hardly conceivable.

A notepad with legal notes and a cannabis flower that address the cannabis law.



However, there could be a possible change in telemedical prescribing practices. It remains uncertain whether doctors from other EU countries will continue to be allowed to issue prescriptions for German patients. There could be clearer regulations here in the future.

Is it cooked much hotter than it is eaten?
In fact, much of what is currently being announced in the election campaign seems exaggerated. Homberg is convinced that the actual changes – depending on the coalition partner – will be less drastic than the current threats of the conservative parties. He sees little room for major setbacks, particularly in the area of medicinal cannabis .

Herba di Berna – your partner for reliable information
At Herba di Berna, we closely follow developments in cannabis policy and are on hand to provide you with advice and support. With our expertise and personal experience, we are there for you – whether it’s about legal issues or choosing the right products. Together, we keep our finger on the pulse and ensure that you are well informed.

Stay relaxed – we’re here for you! 🌱

Source reference:
Interview with Peter Homberg on krautinvest.de, published in November 2024.

Cannabis legalization and pardons: What’s changed in Germany, the US and Switzerland!

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With the entry into force of the Consumer Cannabis Act (CanG) in Germany, the handling of cannabis has changed dramatically. The law allows the possession and consumption of certain quantities, cultivation for private use and provides for subsequent lighter sentences. We see similar developments in the USA, where mass pardons have restored full civil rights to millions of people. But what do these changes mean for Switzerland, especially for us as a CBD company? In this article, we take a look at the situation in Germany, the USA and the impact on Switzerland.

What the Consumer Cannabis Act (CanG) means in Germany

The new consumer cannabis law in Germany brings far-reaching changes. The possession and consumption of cannabis is now permitted under certain conditions, as is the private cultivation of three plants for personal use. A key point is the retrospective reassessment of sentences, which has also led to prison releases.

This liberalization shows the change as well as increasing acceptance of society? about the perception of cannabis and could create the basis for a Europe-wide re-evaluation in the long term. Germany has always played a pioneering role in the EU and can thus ensure a positive development in Switzerland.

Comparison with the USA: effects of legalization and mass pardons

The USA has already seen a similar change in 2022 with the legalization of cannabis in several states. President Joe Biden campaigned for the pardoning of people convicted of simple cannabis possession.

The figures speak for themselves: around 2.5 million people have benefited from these mass pardons. This enables those affected to return to a normal life, including the restoration of important civil rights such as the right to vote or serve on a jury.

The situation in Maryland: an example of mass pardons

Maryland is the latest state to announce mass pardons for cannabis users. Governor Wes Moore plans to reverse over 175,000 convictions for cannabis possession. While this represents a new beginning for many people, it also shows how deep the effects of decades of criminalization are in the US.

What does this mean for Switzerland?

Switzerland has taken a different path when it comes to cannabis. In this country, the trade and consumption of cannabis with a THC content of more than 1% is illegal, but the market for CBD products has developed strongly in recent years. Developments in Germany and the USA , however, raise the question of whether and when Switzerland will also introduce further legalization of cannabis legalization of cannabis.

For CBD companies like us, legalizing THC-rich cannabis in Switzerland could open new doors and bring us a little closer to our goal of giving cannabis the status it deserves in society. So far, Switzerland has already taken a pioneering role in Europe with its liberal approach to CBD. The German legislative changes could lead to the market for THC products also coming into focus in this country, which would further increase the demand for high-quality, legal cannabis products and also greatly simplify research.

Our opportunities and challenges for the future

Developments in Germany and the USA show that the path to full legalization of cannabis is progressing in many countries. For Switzerland and especially for us as a CBD company, this offers a multitude of opportunities, from new market segments to the increasing acceptance of CBD products, which is a primary goal for Herba di Berna. At the same time, potential legalization also brings challenges that companies like us should prepare for at an early stage.

We are actively campaigning for legalization and want to continue to contribute to raising awareness of the many benefits of the hemp plant with our online store and specialist store in Berner Breitsch. Hemp is a valuable natural resource, and as a company we stand behind the vision of promoting its positive influence on society and the economy.

Source : hanf-magazin.com

The legalization of cannabis in Switzerland

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A step into the future

In recent decades, the debate about the legalization of cannabis in Switzerland has intensified. The Green Party actively campaigned for legalization 30 years ago. In their position paper, the Greens take a clear stance on what any legalization should look like. Members of the Green Party have been involved in the development of this groundbreaking paper through a constructive exchange with, among others, IG Hemp and other organizations, such as addiction associations. As a specialist store, we welcome this development and see it as an opportunity for a progressive and sensible drug policy in Switzerland.

The new position paper of the Green Group

After decades of political commitment and social change, a new chapter in Swiss drug policy is about to begin thanks to the implementation of the Siegenthaler parliamentary initiative. The Greens place particular emphasis on health protection and prevention in order to reduce the negative effects of prohibition and at the same time tap into the social, medical and economic benefits of cannabis.

The proposed benchmarks for the regulation of cannabis use emphasize youth and health protection as well as the prevention of addiction. These include bans on advertising and sponsorship, sales only to adults, strict requirements for cultivation and product quality, and an earmarked prevention levy to finance addiction prevention and therapy services. The Greens advocate a moderate incentive tax and the introduction of statistical monitoring of cannabis consumption.

Politicians are called upon to approach cannabis use with more realism and less moralism. The Greens are committed to regulating cannabis use in the ongoing legislative process, with a focus on public health and finding a middle ground between an unregulated black market and an unregulated legal market.

The future of cannabis regulation in Switzerland therefore promises a change that will not only affect the way society perceives cannabis, but also minimize the impact on health, youth and the black market.

  • Find out more about the PI Siegenthaler initiative from September 2020 – here!
  • Position paper of the Green parliamentary group on cannabis legalization – here!

Herba di Berna’s position on legalization

As one of the leading companies in the hemp industry, Herba di Berna takes a differentiated position on the legalization of cannabis. While we support efforts to regulate the market and protect young people and consumers, we advocate dispensing in certified specialist stores, in addition to cannabis social clubs. We believe that state-run outlets could increase the risk of monopolies.

Furthermore, we consider the entry hurdle to be relatively high:

  • Personal data, consumer behavior and driving license situation must be provided.
  • We consider the idea of drying up the black market through state sales outlets to be wishful thinking.
  • The requirements and production standards will be high, which will inevitably have an impact on prices.
  • We advocate a regulated market with high production standards, similar to alcohol, which we believe can be managed by the private sector.

A differentiated view of the market

The legalization of cannabis in Switzerland is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but it is important to take a differentiated view of what is happening on the market. A regulated market characterized by competition and high standards will benefit both consumers and the industry in the long term.

What do you think; where do you want to buy your weed in the future?

The survey by the Swiss Hemp Association

directly to the survey

Higher shipping costs in 2024

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Versand Packete, grün, braun und abstrakte Pflanzen

The year 2024 promises a wave of financial changes for Herba di Berna and the entire hemp industry. These changes are due to numerous factors such as rising government levies (VAT), higher insurance costs, price increases for packaging materials, energy and rents.

These factors are like an unstoppable tide that presents companies with the challenge of adapting their strategies. At Herba di Berna, we don’t just want to react, we want to act proactively and inform you transparently about how we are dealing with these challenges. And what adjustments are necessary in the shipping area to maintain the quality of our products and your shopping experience. It should be emphasized that we are maintaining our proven strategy regarding product prices and will continue to offer you the opportunity to purchase CBD and hemp products at unbeatable prices. Therefore; don’t worry, there will be no price increases for the products. Nevertheless, these financial adjustments are shifting. However, we have now decided to transfer this to the shipping area. This is how we ensure that you can continue to benefit from unbeatable offers.

Advantages of the change: tracking and secure parcel delivery

Despite the initial inconvenience, the new shipping costs also open up opportunities for Herba di Berna and, above all, for our valued customers. By adjusting the fees, we can track your parcels and they can be found anywhere at any time.

Conclusion: Together on new paths – hemp shipping at Herba di Berna

The year 2024 promises changes for the hemp industry, accompanied by a number of challenges. Rising government levies, higher insurance costs and other burdens affect not only us, but also our customers. In this context, we at Herba di Berna have decided to deal transparently with the upcoming challenges and to inform you about our adjustments in shipping and that our product prices will remain the same. We understand that budgets sometimes have to be juggled, but rest assured, we do our best to offer high quality hemp products at fair prices. Visit our specialist store on Scheibenstrasse not only to enjoy the savings on shipping, but also to benefit from personal, no-obligation advice and to discover our wide range of products with all your senses.

What else might interest you:

Delivery conditions and payment methods
to the AGBs
Data protection declaration

Cannabis and gastrointestinal tract

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Magen-Darm-Harmonie mit Cannabis unterstützen

The festive season is a feast of food and drink, from one meal to the next, from cookies to chocolate, mandarins and the festive roast. While we usually enjoy the winter festive season with vacations, celebrations and gluttony, our intestines have to work overtime. Cannabinoids can support our intestines in their daily functions and contribute to gastrointestinal harmony and well-being. Learn all about how cannabis and the gastrointestinal tract harmonize in this blog post.

The body as a habitat for viruses, fungi and bacteria

When our gastrointestinal system is exposed to various stresses such as stress, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and sweet and alcoholic drinks, the gut suffers. We are adaptable and also quite tough, as evidenced by the fact that modern homo sapiens can live on fast food, sweet drinks and overly spicy food for their entire lives. And yet the gut suffers in these moments of unhealthy food intake. For thousands of years, it has been common worldwide to take cannabis with food. And today we can use the latest technologies to specifically investigate what is going on in detail and provide relief for many people. The intestine shows clear reactions to overeating and does not suffer silently like the liver. The most common symptoms of an overloaded bowel are diarrhea, nausea and constipation, and many of us are very familiar with the recommended remedies. In addition to hemp, countless home remedies, chemical preparations and therapeutic approaches are circulating for a healthy start to the New Year, all of which are aimed at balancing the so-called “gut microbiome*”. This refers to bacteria and fungi as well as certain virus strains, the effects of which do not make us humans ill, but keep us vital. In the course of evolution, tiny creatures, i.e. various microorganisms, have colonized the gastrointestinal tract and form a symbiotic relationship that is beneficial for everyone involved. They support each other in digestion as well as in the absorption of nutrients that are essential for the survival of both humans and microorganisms. The influence of healthy intestinal flora on our nervous system has now been proven by science. Numerous farmer’s sayings support the saying: “You are what you eat”, and the effect of cannabis as a remedy is similarly widely confirmed in the laboratory.

* Definition: The microbiome is the totality of all microorganisms(bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi and protozoa) that colonize a macroorganism (human, animal, plant). Microbiomes can influence the immune system, the metabolism and the hormone system of their host.

Importance of the intestinal flora

Unlike toxic substances or supposedly magical remedies, cannabis binds to the organism via precisely fitting receptors. Yoghurt mixed with cannabinoids in the supermarket is still a dream of the future, but the intestinal flora can generally be stimulated by many foods or food supplements. There are countless products on the market that promote powerful microbial strains and feed them sufficiently so that unwanted pathogens quickly perish when they enter our bodies. The problem is that even the most expensive capsules, pills and tinctures barely make it to the intestinal flora if we continue with the sins of the modern lifestyle and disregard our gastrointestinal harmony.

You can find out exactly how and where cannabinoids affect our body in the previous blog post: https://www.herbadiberna.ch/starkes-immunsystem-durch-cbd-tropfen/

How hemp affects our gastrointestinal tract

While CB1 receptors are found in the brain, CB2 receptors are found in the intestine. Both are the so-called docking sites for cannabinoids in the hemp plant. A full-spectrum preparation influences these receptors and triggers a variety of positive effects in the body. Cannabinoids can activate anti-inflammatory processes via the gastrointestinal system, stimulate the immune system and also reduce stress levels.diseases such as multiple sclerosis could be treated by medical cannabis, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect and even affects a specific bacterium called “Akkermansia muciniphila”. (Source: Study by Charles M. Skinner)

Full spectrum CBD oil and hemp capsules to support the gastrointestinal tract

Research on therapeutic cannabis and gut flora is not yet as extensive as in other areas, but medical and therapeutic professionals are beginning to recommend it for certain treatments.The method of consumption affects the effect of cannabis on the gastrointestinal system; smoking or vaporizing works faster and more intensely, while oral ingestion may be better tolerated and have a longer effect.There are beneficial aspects of hemp products, but potential drug interactions and possible side effects must be considered. It is best to discuss this with a medical professional, as according to current research, cannabis can help with irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn or constant constipation in many cases without complications, but can sometimes have side effects. Prudent consumption is still the best choice when trying hemp for yourself, even for the gastrointestinal system, until research has clarified the situation.

Conclusion

When we indulge in culinary delights, our intestines work hard. Cannabis as a full-spectrum preparation can help to support our gut and its function, especially in the New Year after the Christmas feasts. Our digestive system is sensitive: stress, lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet can affect it. The gut microbiome, consisting of bacteria, fungi and viruses, plays an essential role in our health and even influences our nervous system. Cannabinoids can have an anti-inflammatory effect via the CB2 receptors in the intestine, strengthen the immune system and reduce stress. Medical hemp shows promising approaches, especially for diseases such as multiple sclerosis. However, research into therapeutic cannabis and intestinal flora is still in its infancy. Although there are many benefits, interactions with medication and possible side effects must also be taken into account and clarified with medical professionals. Cannabis could be a natural alternative for gastrointestinal complaints, but it is also advisable to consult with specialists and stay up to date with the latest research.

Our recommendation for optimal gastrointestinal harmony

12% Full spectrum OIL
24% Full spectrum oil

Source: https://l1nq.com/ugfNr

Legalization in Germany: Is the Bundestag getting down to business?

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After a long wait, the draft bill for the CanG, the – presumably – future cannabis law in Germany, has made it to the Bundestag. The bill aims to take the first steps toward a legal cannabis market – ideally as early as early 2024.

What is in the cannabis law now?

Oracles about the details of legalization in Germany have been a preoccupation in many places in recent months. Back in April, a key points paper was published in which the plans were specified. Therefore, it was no surprise what the Bundestag would now discuss. The current bill aims to implement the so-called “first pillar” of legalization. The second pillar of commercial cannabis cultivation has been pushed into the future.

Under the first pillar, private home cultivation and community non-commercial cultivation in cannabis social clubs will be legalized. The bill is often referred to as “legalization light” because there are still many fairly restrictive rules. Adults will be allowed to possess up to 25g of cannabis for personal use. Private cultivation is allowed for three plants, and children and adolescents must be kept away. Social clubs (called cultivation associations in the bill) also have many rules to follow. A maximum of 500 members are admitted, all of whom must reside in Germany. A maximum of 25g per day and 50g per month may be issued per member. For young people between the ages of 18 and 21, it is only 30g per month, which also must not contain more than 10% THC. In addition, there is a ban on advertising and sponsorship.

Protection zones throughout Germany


Another rule has caused particular astonishment in the cannabis community: there is to be a protective zone of 200 meters around cultivation associations, schools, children’s and youth facilities, children’s playgrounds and publicly accessible sports facilities, in which the consumption of cannabis in the open is not permitted. The consumption of cannabis should also not be allowed in pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Maps are circulating in Germany that show how the majority of urban and municipal areas would be located in a protected zone.
Distribution of protected zones in Berlin according to the current CanG draft: public consumption of cannabis is prohibited in all red areas. In addition, there is a ban in front of the previously non-existent cultivation associations and during the day in the pedestrian zones.(bubatzkarte.kowelenz.social)

What is justified with a protection of children and young people, has some problems in practice: the listed places exist in Germany in such a density that – especially in cities – the consumption of cannabis will almost only be possible in private apartments or large parks.

What does the Bundestag think?

The Bundestag debate was short – but quite intense. While Karl Lauterbach advocated his proposal with conviction, many others were less enthusiastic. There was fundamental resistance from the conservative side (AfD and Union). Both parties continue to try to stop legalization itself. Impressive how these politicians can ignore today’s situation with millions of cannabis users and a huge black market, and instead continue to waffle on about their concept of the “gateway drug”.

More exciting seems to be the criticism of experts and the left factions. There it is pointed out that the distance regulations and many other precisely defined details of the legalization Light are hardly implementable in practice. With these concessions to conservative forces, the bill threatens to become a law that is either never actually enforced, or takes up an insane amount of resources to control. This would also largely cancel out one of the major advantages of legalization – the savings in effort and costs in law enforcement.

Legalization in Germany only for non-drivers

Another weak point of the current legalization plans: So far, no changes to the Road Traffic Act are planned. However, since a THC limit of one nanogram per milliliter of blood applies to driving in Germany, cannabis-using drivers are almost certainly liable to prosecution. Even when they actually get behind the wheel sober. In one of our last blog posts, we highlighted the issue in Switzerland. To cut a long story short: the Swiss limit of 1.5ng/mL is also clearly too low.

Cannabis in Swiss road traffic

After all, the federal government in Germany has now said it will set up a working group to present initial results in spring 2024. However, in view of a legalization starting in January 2024, this is a rather unsatisfactory perspective for motorists…

So what does this mean for legalization?

Germany continues to move step by step towards legalization. The eternal conservative factions in the Bundestag are unlikely to stand a chance with their fundamental opposition. And the left-wing groups will probably try a few more things to make the legalization plans a bit bolder – but in case of doubt, they would still rather have the current bill than no legalization at all.
All those who were now looking forward to a “green revolution” are likely to be rather disappointed by the result. It is a huge step that the possession and cultivation of cannabis will soon no longer be punishable. Overall, however, the current plans are still close to restrictive policies and far from a legal cannabis market that could effectively displace the black market.

Progress in the new regulation of the cannabis market

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At the end of September 2023, the National Council again expressed its support for the concerns of “PI Siegenthaler”. Parliament has approved an extension of the deadline needed to draft a new cannabis law. If things continue to go smoothly, the new regulation of the cannabis market (also called legalization 😉) could thus become a reality in just a few years.

PI Siegenthaler for a new regulation of the cannabis legislation
The Siegenthaler Parliamentary Initiative (PI) was submitted in September 2020 by Heinz Siegenthaler, a member of the Bern Center National Council.
The initiative calls for a new cannabis law that will one day provide the basis for a legal and regulated cannabis market in Switzerland.  
For more detailed info on PI Siegenthaler, see our blog post on the topic.

What was the National Council about?

Actually, the responsible commission should have prepared a legislative proposal by the end of 2023. However, the parliamentarians did not live up to this ambitious schedule. In order to ensure that all the work was not wasted and that a well-prepared and broadly supported law could be passed in the end, the subcommittee now requested an extension of the deadline until the fall session of 2025. “It is really important and right to do this work with enough time,” said Barbara Gysi (SP, head of the subcommittee).

A citizen minority has now tried to stop the reauthorization of cannabis legislation. Their plan: if the commission doesn’t have time to prepare a good law, there will be no law and the status quo will remain. “The initiative, as it turns out, is contrary to international law” opined SVP National Councilor Verena Herzog. In addition, legalization would seem to encourage young people to smoke pot, while it would not dry up the black market.

Voting results on deadline extension for new cannabis legislation.
Voting results from the National Council(parlament.ch)

Fortunately, this backward-looking polemic met with little success, and Parliament clearly favored an extension of the deadline, thus advocating for a new regulation of the cannabis market. 104 votes in favor (SP, Greens, GLP, a majority of the FDP, a minority of the center faction and even 3 votes from the SVP faction) were opposed by 69 votes against from the SVP, parts of the center and one third of the FDP.[1]

What does this mean for cannabis market re-regulation?

Of course, it would have been great if the subcommittee had not needed a deadline extension at all. However, as is well known, things rarely move that quickly in the Federal Republic of Germany. Therefore, it is overall very positive news that the National Council has spoken out with such clarity in favor of the new regulation of the cannabis market. If everything now goes like clockwork, legalization could actually become a reality as early as 2026. The year 2027 seems more realistic, as the SVP has already announced that it wants to bring the future cannabis law before the people with a referendum.

So for us it is still: Stay patient. However, the legalization plans in Germany, an increasingly pro-legalization population, and the empirical data generated by the pilot trials to date point to a bright future. More and more, the idea of a legal cannabis market with good youth and consumer protection and without an illegal black market seems to be taking root in people’s minds. And even if this were not to happen until 2027, Switzerland would at least not be left behind in an international comparison.

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Cannabis and psychosis: what is true?

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In discussions about cannabis and especially cannabis legalization, one question is asked again and again: Does cannabis lead to psychosis disorders? The answers are often unclear, different or even contradictory. We are trying to provide some clarity. However, there are no absolute truths to be read here either, as these hardly exist as things stand today.

The known connections

A link between psychosis and cannabis has been demonstrated in several studies. [1] In studied groups of patients with schizophrenic psychosis, cannabis use was more common than in society as a whole, and conversely, cannabis users developed psychotic disorders more often and earlier. To deny this connection per se would be absurd in view of the available data. To what extent the cannabis plant should be demonized because of this, however, is another question – more about that later…

Special risk of psychosis disease for young people

The process of brain maturation in humans lasts until the early 20s. Thus, young adults continue to live with an unfinished brain for a long time. If substances such as alcohol or cannabis are consumed during this time, it also seems to have an impact on brain development. For example, there is a correlation between regular cannabis use by adolescents and the thickness of the cerebral cortex. (Those areas of the brain that have high numbers of CB1 receptors are particularly affected).

With regard to psychosis, it can be stated that consumption at a young age, in particular, is a determining factor in the frequency and timing of psychosis. [2] While cannabis use is hardly the sole culprit, it is definitely one factor among others.

Influence of THC content on the risk of psychosis

Meanwhile, the studies also identified some factors that make consumption particularly risky. Besides the frequency or the amount consumed, the potency, i.e. the THC content, of the cannabis plant plays an important role. Higher THC levels appear to increase the likelihood of psychosis. From this perspective, the massive increase in THC content in recent decades must be viewed at least critically. In 1993, cannabis seized in the U.S. had an average of 3.4% THC. In 2008, this figure was 8.8% and at 17.7% in 2017, the figure has doubled again in just 10 years. [3] At the same time, such high potency cannabis flowers often have very low CBD content. We will show why this is relevant in the next section.

CBD for deeper psychosis risk

CBD is also an important agent in the context of psychosis. The fascinating thing is that cannabis seems to work the other way around. For example, one study showed that significantly fewer psychoses occurred when subjects took CBD beforehand. Currently, CBD is even being tested as a potential drug to treat psychotic episodes in people with schizophrenia – and some studies suggest that the prospects for success are real.

What remains unclear?

So are all these studies now saying that cannabis causes psychosis? It’s not that simple. While there is undeniably a connection, and certain patterns of consumption exacerbate the problem. At the same time, however, it has not really been proven that THC by itself causes a psychotic disorder in a perfectly healthy person. Often, those affected already have a genetically predisposed risk – and cannabis use then acts in part as a specific trigger. [4] Further, the question arises whether it does not also run the other way around to a certain degree: People with a psychotic predisposition might show an increased tendency to use cannabis, e.g. in the sense of self-medication.

Furthermore, there are many risk factors that favor the onset of psychosis: Depression, sleep disorders, living with a male body, migration history or living in urban areas – to name a few. What is striking about this list is that many of these factors also increase the likelihood that a person will come into contact with cannabis. Of course, scientists try to calculate these factors out of their studies – but it is hardly ever possible to do so perfectly.

What does this mean for legalization

All in all, then, it seems entirely plausible that cannabis use carries significant risk under certain circumstances. So are the opponents of legalization right and we should definitely continue to ban this dangerous substance? You guessed it: of course not. First, we live in a society that tolerates diverse risks in quite a few areas. Second, even without legalization, much cannabis is consumed, often under riskier circumstances.

Risk is part of our society

Even if cannabis triggers psychosis and thus greatly complicates the lives of some affected people, the current discussion is quite absurd. Of course, it is important to know about the risks of a substance. However, the side effects of cannabis use are quite harmless compared to those of many other substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, or sugar. With all of these substances, we know that they cause significant harm to human health when consumed in excess – and yet they are legal and widely available. There are many people who suffer significant psychological damage from problematic alcohol consumption, and again, there are studies that say that the brains of adolescents in particular suffer greatly from excessive alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, we can buy beer in any supermarket. Our society tolerates many risks and often leaves the decision to what extent people want to expose themselves to these risks to the individual. Therefore, while it is important that we know as much as possible about the risks of substances like cannabis – at the same time, these risks alone are far from a reason for an extremely elaborate and hardly successful prohibition policy.

Transparency & prevention is important

In the current situation, many people buy cannabis regularly. Since this is illegal, it happens in hiding (stress is harmful!) and without any quality standards. With black market flowers, you have no way of knowing what the THC content of that cannabis plant actually is now. And the dealer is usually hardly interested in whether the clientele is still young and therefore more at risk.

In contrast, clear transparency and quality requirements could be enforced in a legal, regulated market. This would allow consumers to decide what level of THC and CBD they want to consume. In addition, the tax revenue could be used for effective prevention work for young people – instead of the money flowing into the pockets of criminal organizations. With such options, the risk of developing psychosis would not have disappeared. However, it would be a risk that could be assessed and controlled – and one that needs to be explored further.

More about the advantages of legalization