Tag: Legalization

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
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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

Partial decriminalization: a regulatory jungle

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The last few weeks, a new ruling by the Federal Court has been the talk of the town. The highest court ruled that an unpunished amount of cannabis (<10g and exclusively for personal consumption) cannot be seized by the police. This is another step towards the decriminalization of cannabis. In principle, less criminalization of consumers is to be welcomed. At the same time, the discussion about this ruling also shows why legalizing cannabis would be better for all sides and much less chaotic.

The regulatory jungle of partial decriminalization

Possession of a small amount of cannabis for personal consumption (<10g) and preparatory acts for consumption have been exempt from punishment in Switzerland for quite some time. For a long time, however, this legal situation was ignored by the police and the public prosecutor’s office, and fines were blithely handed out. The argumentation of the authorities was usually that it was still an illegal substance. Further, it was clear that sooner or later there would be consumption (or suspicion of past consumption), which in turn would be illegal. It was not until a 2017 ruling by the Federal Supreme Court that this practice was put a stop to. Since then definitely applies (more or less consistently implemented): Small amount & preparatory acts are exempt from punishment, the consumption itself is illegal.

However, the Federal Supreme Court left one important question open in its 2017 ruling: What happens to the unpunished quantity after a police check? Previously, the cannabis was usually confiscated. Admittedly, the question of what to do with a non-punishable quantity of an illegal substance is not without its challenges. It is therefore very welcome that it has now also been stated clearly here that an unpunished quantity is unpunished and therefore may not be seized.

However, anyone who thought that the discussion about law enforcement powers was over for the time being is unfortunately wrong again. Only a short time after the ruling, it was noted with astonishment in many places that the ruling of the Federal Court can be applied not only to cannabis but also to “hard” drugs. However, the SSK (Swiss Conference of Prosecutors) disagreed with this assessment. In order to prevent a cantonal chaos with different handling, they have urged all authorities to stick to the previous practice for hard drugs, while for cannabis it is clear that the ruling must be followed. Furthermore, the SSK called on politicians to regulate this ambiguity by law.

It could also be simpler…

As good as it is for consumers to be less criminalized – the solution is not a clean one. Not surprising really: wanting something to be illegal and unpunished at the same time probably inevitably leads to problems. If cannabis were finally legalized, the way would be clear for sensible and adapted regulation of the market. Instead of an eternal cat and mouse game between police & dealers, resources could be put into effectively fighting the big players in the black market and into meaningful prevention work. To get ideas of what that would look like, we don’t even have to look that far. On the one hand, we have already gained a lot of experience with alcohol and tobacco on how to regulate individual substances in a targeted manner. Furthermore, there are – both from Switzerland and from countries with legalization experience – various clear findings that speak in favor of legalization. Until we’re finally ready, we’ll just have to settle for CBD products when in doubt….

Try our excellent CBD hash

MEDCAN – Medical Cannabis Association Switzerland

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Cannabis has a long tradition as a medicinal plant in Switzerland as well. With the 1951 ban, this application was also lost. No, it was not lost. It was criminalized and withdrawn from the attention of the general public – because medical hemp was and is still used. The MEDCAN association has set itself the goal of putting an end to this criminalization of patients.

We want to give you a detailed picture of the current situation regarding medical hemp. To this end, Franziska Quadri, honorary president of the MEDCAN association, has come to our aid with her expertise. Franziska herself is paraplegic since a paragliding accident in 2009 and found out very soon that cannabis is the best solution for her to improve her quality of life again.

Medical cannabis in Switzerland – where do we stand?

Last summer, a long-cherished dream of many patients came true: medical cannabis has been legal since August 2022 and no longer requires a license. Doctors can prescribe cannabis on their own. Or could – because so far, many doctors are shying away from addressing the issue of medicinal hemp. Franziska told me an exemplary episode from her own story: “I myself recently went to see my neurologist, who knows exactly how I treat myself with cannabis. Nevertheless, I was met with complete disinterest: I would now have to tell the neurologist what to write in my prescription. The responsibility is quite brazenly shifted to me instead of doctors finally addressing the issue.”

We have no choice but to train the doctors and pharmacists on our own.

Franziska Quadri, cannabis patient and president of the MEDCAN association
Franziska Quadri

Stories like Franziska’s show that last year’s law change is far from solving the problems. “Almost a year after the law was changed, patients still have no access to medical cannabis. There are hardly any doctors who prescribe cannabis – and if they do, the health insurance companies still don’t pay for it, and the therapy becomes almost unaffordable,” Franziska tells us. This poor implementation of legalization threatens to create a two-class society: the rich patients buy prescriptions and legal medicine, while the less well-off are criminalized.

The political work of MEDCAN

This stocktaking shows that although a political milestone has been reached with the legalization of medicinal hemp, the problem is still far from being solved. Thus, for the MEDCAN association, it is clear that their commitment will be needed for a long time to come.

Currently, inspired by the Cancer League, we aim to become a high-profile organization that can educate both the general population and those directly affected about the issue. As a first step, this means bringing together as many as possible of the approximately 100,000 cannabis patients who are already self-medicating in our association.

Franziska Quadri

In order to advocate for an effective implementation of legalization, the people of MEDCAN are in regular exchange with politicians, doctors, pharmacists and, if possible, also with the health insurance companies. This commitment at all levels seems to be the only option at the moment. Politicians think they have already solved the problem with legalization, doctors lack the expertise and health insurers naturally do not want to pay for expensive cannabis medicinal products on their own. Responsibility is passed back and forth like a hot potato, and the ultimate sufferers are the patients who cannot legally obtain their medications.

Impressions MEDCAN at Cannatrade
Panel at the Cannatrade
MEDCAN Cannatrade booth

Are the pilot tests helping?

With the pilot trials, thousands of people will get legal access to cannabis, and at prices deliberately aligned with those of the black market. This is much closer to the idea of legal access to cannabis flower than the completely inadequately implemented legalization of medical hemp. What does this trigger in patients* who must continue to fight for affordable access to cannabis flower? “That honestly makes me pissed off,” comes Franziska’s answer as if shot out of a pistol. Of course, legal access to cannabis is certainly to be welcomed by the study participants. The problem is not only that not all patients can get one of the places in the pilot tests: They are even explicitly excluded from participation!

MEDCAN patient meetings

As a patient organization, MEDCAN is not only concerned with political work. Regular “patient meetings” are held in the cities of Zurich and Bern. The idea of these meetings is for patients to exchange ideas with the MEDCAN association and with like-minded people. Experiences are shared, people stand by each other and together they try to find a way to legal medicine. In short, those affected are once again taking the reins into their own hands so that they are at least not alone with their problems.

During the pandemic, patient meetings took place online for the first time. In addition to the on-site meetings, there is since then also the possibility to participate in a meeting from home. “We certainly want to keep that up to reach as many people as possible,” Franziska says.

More info about the next patient meetings

Now we need solidarity!

Infected by her commitment, I wanted to know from Franziska how we can best support the work of MEDCAN. “The most important thing is that you send patients* to us so we can inform them – and they can get involved in our association.” However, there are, of course, support options for people like me who do not rely on medical hemp. Let’s inform ourselves and talk about the topic, let’s give a platform to those directly affected like Franziska, Simòn, Roger, Sabi and all others who want to bring their story to the public. Their expertise and commitment have incredible power to drive change for the better.
What also helps to make the MEDCAN association more heard are donations. Up to now, the work in the association has rested on the shoulders of a few volunteers. In order to professionalize the work and unite as many patients as possible, a paid secretariat, for example, would be a huge asset. And to make the 10th anniversary in 2024 as big as possible with great events, financial resources are needed.

“The more resources we have, the faster we achieve our goals. And maybe even general legalization of cannabis, including home cultivation?”

Franziska Quadri

Also important: if outsiders show solidarity with the MEDCAN association and the cannabis patients, this will not only benefit those affected. Experience from abroad also shows that medical use is the perfect precursor to much-needed general legalization. The abuses in the medical sector are so obvious that many cannot simply close their eyes. At the same time, the current situation shows us that the legalization of medical hemp has reached a dead end. The easiest way out of this predicament? Legalization for all. “Only when home cultivation is legal will all affected people really get access to the cannabis flowers they need,” Franziska says.

medcan.ch

SCRIPT: Pilot test in Bern, Biel & Lucerne

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Altstadtgasse in der Stadt Bern

In May 2023, the University of Bern’s cannabis pilot project was approved by the Federal Office of Public Health and the cantonal ethics committees concerned. Under the name “SCRIPT – The Safer Cannabis Research In Pharmacies randomized controlled Trial”, the health and social effects of regulated cannabis sales will be investigated in the cities of Bern, Biel and Lucerne. If everything goes smoothly, the trial will start this fall.

What are the pilot tests about?  The pilot projects are intended to provide scientific evidence for the discussion on possible cannabis legalization. You can read more about the history of the pilots here and in our latest update on the pilots.

How does the SCRIPT study work?

Once the trial begins, the first half of the approximately 1,000 participants will be able to legally purchase cannabis products at selected dispensaries in the cities of Bern, Biel and Lucerne. Offered in addition to the flowers are other products such as hash, liquids and oils – all neutrally packaged so as not to attract attention. The second half of the study participants may also legally purchase cannabis 6 months later. This randomized allocation is intended to maximize the power of the study by direct comparison.

Study data will be collected at six-month intervals during the approximately 2 years of the trial using questionnaires and interviews. The focus is on the impact of regulated cannabis sales on people’s consumption patterns and health. In addition to the large surveys, sales staff are also encouraged to engage in conversation with customers when selling study cannabis in order to capture an even more accurate picture of reality.

Participation in the pilot test

Registration for the SCRIPT study is scheduled to open in early summer 2023 for interested individuals residing in the Canton of Bern. People from the city of Lucerne will have to be patient until they can get to one of the 300 or so study places in their city in winter 23/24. As in all other pilot trials, the study is only open to individuals who are at least 18 years old and have a history of using cannabis in their daily lives.

Those admitted to the study will receive a study card that entitles them to purchase 10g of THC per month. During the first purchase, a detailed consultation should take place in order to present the various products to the customers in detail.

Question that arises: What happens if the police pull me over and I have study cannabis in my pocket? Again, the answer lies partly in the student ID card. Of course, since the authorities do not know who is participating in the study, study participants must be able to identify themselves in the event of police contact for carrying cannabis. The other conditions for an unmolested walk through the city: the original package must be unopened, because the products may not be consumed in public spaces, and the limits of max. 10g of cannabis flowers or hashish or a maximum of 2g of THC for liquids and oils may not be exceeded. Not particularly suitable for everyday use – but the study is still taking place in a time of repression…

Herba di Berna and the pilot tests

Even if we as Herba di Berna – despite our specialty store – cannot participate in the pilot test, we are basically pleased about the study. Finally, something is happening in Bern, too. Legalization preparation is approached scientifically. A regulated sales concept lays the groundwork for ensuring that legalization does not become a leap from the sharpie market to the Wild West. It is not about a few companies being allowed to take money out of everyone’s pockets and rake in fat profits. Instead, the focus is on sales by trained professionals to finally make high-quality products with clearly declared ingredients legally available to meet the real need of large segments of the population.
It is questionable whether we really need to carry out our own elaborate tests in advance instead of simply taking the empirical values of other countries to heart. But we have inevitably learned to practice patience and enjoy small steps.

Legal CBD products to bridge the waiting time

More info on the SCRIPT study: script-studie.ch

Pilot testing: What’s running where?

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Since the summer of 2021, it has been clear that pilot trials on the legal use & sale of cannabis will be conducted in Switzerland. Despite the widespread interest, which is reflected among other things in a large media response, our patience is being tried. In Basel, the start of the “WeedCare” pilot trial planned for autumn 2022 had to be postponed again, in Bern the canton put on the brakes and the city of Zurich had to wait months for the FOPH. In 2023, however, there is new momentum: where are we now?

What are the pilot tests about?
The pilot projects are intended to provide scientific evidence for the discussion on possible cannabis legalization.
You can read more about the history of the pilots here and in our latest update on the pilots.
Provisions for the pilot test (BAG)
Provisions for the pilot test(BAG)

Basel has its nose in front

Actually, the Basel pilot trial “WeedCare” was supposed to start last fall. At the last moment, however, the launch was postponed: Pesticide contamination was detected in the products, which is why the harvest no longer met the required organic guidelines. A farmer had sprayed pesticides on the field next door and the wind carried them to the hemp field as well.

After this messy interlude, the first study participants were finally able to buy their first legal THC cannabis at the end of January 2023. In the summer, the pilot will also start for the second half of the approximately 360 participants. It is not yet clear when the first results of the study will be published, but we eagerly await them.

Zurich finally gets to go too

Compared to Basel, the city of Zurich has set up a huge project: More than 2000 participants are to be able to buy and consume cannabis legally for 3½ years. After a long wait for the authorities, legal THC cannabis is now also being cultivated for Zurich residents so that sales can start in the summer.

The long ways of management

In June 2022, the City of Zurich submitted its study application to the cantonal ethics committee and the FOPH. While the approval of the ethics committee was already available in August, the FOPH was slow to act. The application for the pilot was passed back and forth in the federal office for about 9 months. This delay is justified by the “high complexity” of the request and the large number of submitted study concepts from different cities and regions. The fact that the approval was finally granted shortly after the publication of numerous media articles on the subject is probably not only due to coincidence. Sometimes public pressure suddenly brings speed into the cumbersome processes of the authorities. A good classification of the delays was offered by the association LegalizeIt! already in December: “Still no Cannabis Social Club in 2022: What happened?”

When the permit finally arrived on March 22, everyone immediately got to work. Producers Pure Production and Swiss Extract, for example, plan to harvest the first flowers in July. Sales are then scheduled to start in August, and hash products, which are more complex to process, should also be available from October.

We don’t only have hash in October 😜

Cannabis Social Club

The Cannabis Social Clubs (CSC) are a welcome feature of the Zurich trial. In association structures, a sales and meeting point supported by the members is to be created, which focuses on social exchange and joint consumption. In countries such as Spain, Belgium, Uruguay or the Netherlands, the CSC model is already widespread. There, however, in addition to the transfer of knowledge, the collective cultivation of one’s own cannabis is also at the center of the clubs. However, the social clubs were not allowed to do this in the Zurich study. In order to achieve the most meaningful results possible, the products should be the same at all dispensing points. Furthermore, the authorities unfortunately believe that the CSC members would not be able to meet the high quality standards of the pilot tests.
The association LegalizeIt! runs the“Hanfstübli“, one of the social clubs in Zurich. The more than 30 years of experience in the Swiss hemp world, at the interface between consumer protection and political engagement makes the association the perfect operator of a CSC.

Shop window of a cannabis social club in Buenos Aires.
Cannabis Social Club in Buenos Aires(kweez mcG – CC BY 2.0)

Where’s the next pilot?

In addition to Basel and Zurich, there are several other pilot trials that are more or less advanced in the planning stage. According to LegalizeIt!, the first pilot in Bern is scheduled to start as early as summer 2023. There, too, the study application is currently pending at the FOPH and the Ethics Committee. For the other cities, very little to nothing is known yet. The same goes for our new stoner capital, Geneva…. (in fact, more cannabis is consumed in Geneva than in Amsterdam 😯)

Pilot test away from the cities

A planned pilot trial does not want to limit itself to the cities: Bergblüten AG has submitted an application for a study involving 2700 people from Valais and 300 participants from Glarus. In order to cater to the extensive catchment area, sales are to be handled via an online pharmacy, among other things.
The required 350 kg of cannabis per year are to be produced in Benken (SG) and in Ticino. As with all THC production facilities, cultivation must meet not only high quality but also safety standards. What could be more lucrative than raiding a field full of THC flowers and selling them on the black market?

Outdoor cannabis is used for the pilot trials

Private companies also want to get in on the action

In addition to the previous pilot trials, which all originated in cooperation between university & authorities, there are also private organizations such as the“Swiss Cannabis Center (SCC)” and“Pilot Trial Cannabis Switzerland (PVCS)“, which initiate trials and maintain waiting lists for interested consumers. The SCC is planning for implementation in the cities of Bern, St. Gallen and Zurich, while PVCS wants to offer the THC products via an online store in larger trial areas that have not yet been defined more precisely.

🪴 CBD flowers for a relaxed wait for the pilot tests