Tag: switzerland

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

Hemp tofu Thai curry recipe

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Hanftofu Thai-Curry

The weather in January greets us with an icy chill and playful winds. We at Herba di Berna have the perfect answer: a warming Thai curry with hemp tofu! After all, what could be better than facing the cold with a delicious spoonful of flavors? Our insider tip for coziness and enjoyment in any weather!

Hemp tofu from Harmonius

For 4 servings you need:

  • 400 g hemp tofu
  • 0.5 lt coconut milk. The best is the Chaokoh, (available in international stores) which is a bit thicker
  • 2 tsp ground coriander seeds
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp tomato puree
  • 5 cm of a fat and fresh ginger root (Lidl usually has fresh and nice ones) – we prefer the ginger and garlic grated (Bircher grater)
  • 4 large cloves of garlic – grated1 bunch of green onions – cut into rings
  • 2 x a shot of the fine rum or whisky
  • ½ – 1 tsp chili powder or fresh chili (I use 4 – 6) 1-2 chilies would be mild
  • When in season, one sprig each of white and blue grapes
  • 1 large onion – finely chopped (you can also use shallots and cut them into rings for decoration)
  • 10 cherry tomatoes – cut into 4 pieces – (for decoration, add 10 yellow and differently colored cherry tomatoes)
  • Here’s another hot tip: ½ -1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
  • A bunch of fresh coriander – leaves plucked
  • Himalayan salt very fine – or any other fine salt
  • Ground white pepper
  • A fine vegetable oil – we prefer olive oil or coconut oil

The preparation:

  1. Heat the frying pan to full heat. Only add oil to the pan when it is hot
  2. Sauté the ginger, chili and spring onions together in the hot oil. Depending on the hob or induction, reduce the heat slightly. Add the garlic after 3 to 4 minutes. Steam for another 2 minutes
  3. Then sprinkle over the spices and sauté for another 3 – 4 minutes
  4. Then use the rubber spatula to push the whole thing to the edge. Now add the tomato purée to the frying pan and allow the aroma to develop as it begins to burn into the bottom. However, be careful that it does not turn black. Always stir with the rubber spatula. 3 – 5 minutes
  5. Now add a large shot (50 – 80 ml) of rum or whisky and stir well with a whisk. Take the rubber spatula again and make sure it doesn’t burn on the bottom. Now add 300 ml of coconut milk and bring to the boil. Once it has bubbled, you can reduce the temperature by 50% – 70% and leave to simmer gently. Meanwhile, stir slowly along the base with a spatula to prevent splattering and burning
  6. Simmer for approx. 15 minutes
  7. Now pour the mixture into a sauce pan and puree with a hand blender. Then leave to simmer on a low heat. Depending on the thickness of the curry, you can now add a little more coconut milk. I always need 5 dl. However, you will then need to bring the sauce to the boil again. Reduce the heat again and – if in season – add the grapes
  8. Set aside
  9. Wash out the frying pan with a sponge and put it back on the stove. Return to full heat. Fry the hemp tofu with a little olive oil or coconut oil until a light crust (golden-brown) forms. This takes about 8 – 10 minutes
  10. Carefully stir the curry and tofu with a ladle and serve
  11. Garnish with the cherry tomatoes, shallots, peperoncini and coriander

    En Guete! 😉

Buy hemp tofu directly

Source recipe: Harmonius, hemp tofu masala Goa style https://www.harmonius.ch/

CBD Utilization Study 2023

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CBD-Produkte der Herba di Berna

“CBD is popular with older people” was the headline in various Swiss newspapers in recent weeks. The reason for this was a new study by the market research institute LINK, which took a close look at the cannabis market in Switzerland. Thus, what has been known for some time in the USA has now also been proven for Switzerland: Older people increasingly view the use of CBD products positively. Read more about the background to this development here:

Why seniors want CBD

Who uses cannabis?

Basically, it can be said that very different people of all ages use cannabis. About 6 out of 10 people know CBD products at least by name. Of these “connoisseurs”, 25% have already used CBD products. Among young people under thirty, the figure is around 30%. Also exciting: in Ticino, the overall figure is only 20% (instead of 25%).

Results from the LINK study

Who will get excited about CBD in the future?

In addition to people who already consume CBD products, there is also a not insignificant group that is fundamentally open to its use. These are especially women and older people. For both groups, almost one third of the surveyed experts can imagine using them.

Results from the LINK study

What puts people off?

Among non-users, there are various reasons for their reluctance. For about 3/4, lack of need is one of the reasons. About a quarter of the non-users surveyed are reluctant to become dependent (among other things). Too bad this myth is still so widespread! There is no evidence of addictive potential with cannabidiol (CBD). On the contrary, there is research that suggests it is a good way to break free from another addiction (e.g., to opioids or cocaine).[1]

The lack and poor quality of available information is a big problem. Thus, about 10% of the respondents in each case state that the lack of information or also lack of clarity about the legality is the reason for restraint. While the first problem can only be solved step by step, the situation with the second is much simpler: CBD is legal. Item. (In Switzerland, cannabis becomes illegal at a THC content of 1% or more).

Two other reasons: Potential side effects (24%) and difficulty with dosing (5%). The connection between these two aspects? With proper dosing, there is nothing to fear with CBD products. Only mild side effects are known, such as nausea, drowsiness, diarrhea, or loss of appetite – and even these occur mainly when the dose is too high. Caution is of course advisable if other medications are being taken – asking the doctor or pharmacist is certainly a good idea in this case. For everyone else, find your dose and pay attention to your body’s signals – then you have nothing to worry about.

Instructions for the correct dosage of CBD oils
Dosage calculator for CBD oils

What do users value about CBD?

Finally, let’s take a look at those people who use or have used CBD. What did they hope to gain from consumption?

Overall, stress (40%), sleep disturbances (34%), and pain (31%) are the most commonly cited reasons. Together with a general positive sense of well-being, these same points also top the list of the most important reasons for use. Among older people, the focus is increasingly on medical reasons, while among younger people it is more often on psychological well-being.

CBD oils in the store

It is always interesting for us to find out in detail what our (potential) customers are concerned about. Do you have something to share with us as well? Then stop by our specialty store or connect with us on social media. We would be happy to hear your story or provide you with good advice.

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

Review of Cannatrade 2023

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Messestand Cannatrade 2023

The 17th Cannatrade seamlessly joins the success story of the Swiss Hemp Fair. Also this year a new record size was reached with more than 10’000 visitors and 150 exhibitors. During 3 days, the many facets of the hemp plant and its applications were marveled at. With pleasure we were also to be found in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

Video summary of Cannatrade (CannaTradeVideos on youtube.com)

What is the Cannatrade?

A little more than 20 years ago, in 2001, the first Cannatrade took place. Back then, in the days of the “Duftsäckli”, cannabis enthusiasts from all over the world flocked to Switzerland to take part in the green gold rush. How the fair found its way through turbulent years of prohibition and later the pandemic to now reappear for the second time in glorious grandeur was already explained to us last year by Ben Arn, Managing Director of Cannatrade. In these two decades, the fair has also changed a lot: “While in the beginning it was rather ‘hippies and freaks’, today you meet quite normal companies and visitors from all social classes.” Ben says.

More about the history of Cannatrade

A convincing trade fair weekend

Of course, Herba di Berna was again present at Cannatrade. Even though we had to travel to Zurich this year, we wanted to appear with a convincing booth. After a long period of preparation, we were very successful.

Stand of Herba di Berna

Our booth was again a real Hingugcker (Thanks again to the great construction team!) and with the “Jungle Challenge” more than 1’000 people could show off their blowpipe skills. Hats off to your aim!

Even though the externals are crucial on such a huge people, we are primarily concerned with high quality CBD products. We were pleased to receive a lot of positive feedback, especially for our CBD hash varieties. Fortunately, not only the visitors to the fair were satisfied with our products, but also the authorities. Both the Natural Remedies Authority, the Food Control Authority and the police visited our stand for a check…

The goods offered at Cannatrade are simply great. Weed, hemp clothing, hemp food, cosmetics, remedies, grow material – there’s something for everyone to discover. This diversity can only be surpassed by the program: exciting keynotes, enlightening talks, Joint Roll Contest and the election of the best cannabis strains filled the exhibition hall with life.

Philippe Wietlisbach, CEO Herba di Berna

Many thanks to Ben Arn, Désirée Baumann and all the other helping hands who made a wonderful Cannatrade possible. We are already looking forward to the next edition on May 24-25, 2024 in Zurich!

About the wide range of Herba di Berna

More impressions of the CannaTrade 2023: cannatrade.ch

Financial advantages of legalization

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What legalization would bring economically is hardly discussed. However, the topic offers plenty to talk about.

The possible legalization of cannabis brings many different issues to the table. Discussed are the health effects, forecasts of changes in consumption, prevention, consumer protection, repression, and political feasibility. A study has finally been published on the financial advantages and disadvantages for the situation in Switzerland: Oliver Hoff from the University of Geneva has researched. On the one hand, the current situation is assessed and, on the other hand, the financial impact of different legalization scenarios is modeled. The aim is to find out what level of regulation would be appropriate.

Status quo (black market): 1 billion annually!

1 billion Swiss francs. Around that much turnover is attributable to cannabis use in the Swiss economy. In addition to direct influences such as production and trade, this figure also takes into account indirect influences such as health care and law enforcement.

This high turnover is mainly due to the extremely high profit margins in the black market, in addition to the amount of products consumed (approximately 175,000 joints per day). Around 430 million (43% of total sales) are directly attributable to illegal activities.
This distribution of sales is clearly disadvantageous for society as a whole. Illegal actors profit while the general public is left to bear the costs. In a legal cannabis market, some things would change: sales would probably decrease in any case, as the profit margins from the black market would not continue in this way. However, exactly how sales would continue in a legal cannabis market depends heavily on the scenario chosen.

Shaping legalization: Models for the Future

In addition to analyzing the current situation, the study “Cannabis in the Swiss Economy” also ventures into future forecasts. Three different scenarios of legalization are examined for their economic impact.

The CSC scenario assumes legalization of cooperative production in the context of cannabis social clubs. The production, distribution and consumption of cannabis is organized in registered adult-use clubs. This system currently exists in various countries, such as Uruguay. The pilot in Zurich, which should start in the next few months, also includes social clubs. In a CSC scenario, the black market could hardly be dried up completely, according to Hoff, because signing up for a social club would be quite a big effort for casual consumers. Regular consumers, on the other hand, would be able to benefit from legal certainty in clubs.

In the highly regulated scenario, a legal market is recorded that legalizes production and trade in licensed companies from the private sector. Consumption and possession are also legal. Cannabis is taxed by weight and retail value. The concrete design of the model is based on a current template from New Zealand.

A Free Market would involve commercial legalization in a for-profit market with few cannabis-specific regulations. Cannabis would be one product among many and would be regulated similarly to other consumer products. The taxation is carried out exclusively through the usual value added tax.

Sales and taxes after legalization

Total sales in the Swiss economy would decline in any case compared to the status quo. It is lowest in the “Free market” scenario, with forecast sales of CHF 195 million. In this, competition would reduce profit margins and production costs to a minimum. There would be hardly any tax revenue worth mentioning, which means that any prevention and health costs incurred would have to be borne by the general public. This is problematic in that these costs would likely be the highest in such an unregulated market compared to other scenarios.
In a highly regulated market, a tax burden similar to the tobacco tax would generate revenues of up to half a billion Swiss francs. These could be earmarked for prevention, consumer protection and covering the social follow-up costs, according to the study. The calculated total revenue amounts to CHF 275 million in a highly regulated system.
Total revenue is highest in the CSC scenario at 650 million Swiss francs.

When taxing a legal cannabis market, it is essential to consider the interactions with the black market. Since the black market is of considerable size today, it is unlikely to disappear overnight even with the introduction of a legal market. This is also evident from the experience of other countries, such as Canada.
There are several issues worth noting: Young black market customers cannot find a place in a legal cannabis market. Further, the black market will try to undercut the prices in the legal market. With today’s profit margins, there is quite a bit of potential to keep up in a price war for a relatively long time. This interaction argues in favor of keeping the tax burden in the legal market rather low at the beginning in order to crowd out the black market as a first step. Once this is severely weakened, the tax burden can be raised.

Repression and health in the legal market

In an initial phase, legalization would hardly lead to a relief of the repressive organs. On the one hand, the declared goal would be to fight the black market, and on the other hand, the newly introduced market would probably have to be subject to relatively strict controls.

Projected health care costs are influenced by many factors. In a “free market” scenario, costs are assumed to rise moderately. The reason for this is an expected increase in the number of consumers, as a free market would offer not only low prices but also very easy accessibility and advertising opportunities.
In contrast, in a highly regulated legal market, it is believed that prevention messages and addiction services, combined with expanded consumer protection, could positively influence health care costs. However, a reliable statement cannot be made due to the extremely complex interrelationships.

What is the point of such studies?

The study of Oliver Hoff works in many aspects with highly simplified models, but offers an important basis for the political as well as the scientific work regarding a legalization of THC-containing cannabis. Thus, it could be shown that different legalization scenarios show great differences, but overall represent a promising option also in terms of financial impact. Both in this field and in other areas, such as consumer protection, scientific work could contribute much more to the political discussion.

To our legal hemp flowers….

Left:
– Cannabis in the Swiss economy (abridged German version of the study)
– Today’s cannabis regulation is economically inefficient – Jungfrau Zeitung
– Les retombées économiques du cannabis en Suisse – unige.ch (Communiqué de presse)

Denatured hemp oils: traders under pressure

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Hemp oils with CBD are an important mainstay for Herba di Berna AG as well as for many other CBD companies. In April of this year, this market was put before the end of the line in a seemingly arbitrary order from the federal government: since CBD oils have not yet been approved as food, they will have to be denatured starting in October. Additives must therefore be mixed in to make the oil inedible.

How the hemp industry deals with this latest attack from the authorities was described in a detailed article in the Landbote. As a member of the board and responsible for SMEs at IG Hemp, our CEO Philippe Wietlisbach explains which short-term solutions will allow the industry to continue and how the sale of hemp oils could be facilitated in the medium term.

Hemp stores in Winterthur – CBD dealers come under pressure (Der Landbote)Download
Buy CBD Hemp Oils Now!

Cannabis in the focus of the public

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Media release of IG Hemp, July 5, 2022

As a member of IG Hemp, Herba di Berna reproduces here the latest media release of the association:

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

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

Resistance in the Canton of Bern

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

Hemp federation: Pharmacy levy not meaningful

Even if IG Hemp does not agree with the argumentation of the motion makers, it shares the
View that pharmacies are not appropriate dispensaries for cannabis as a stimulant. Specialized stores with the appropriate know-how would be better. The fact that the pilot projects are structured differently depending on the canton is to be welcomed, as they serve to obtain scientific data that can serve as a basis for the debate on legalization. IG Hanf has developed a 10-point plan in cooperation with Sucht Schweiz and Cannabis Consensus Schweiz.

10-point plan for Swiss hemp legalization

The goal of the hemp association’s 10-point plan is to combine safety and public health with a regionally based, responsible and sustainable Swiss cannabis economy. The specifics of the federal structure of the Swiss administration and the
policy is taken into account and tax revenues are generated to finance flanking measures. More information:

  1. Protect youth from the negative effects of cannabis use
  2. Promote use of cannabis products with low health risks
  3. Educate consumers about the risks
  4. Prevent and punish the performance of certain professional activities under the influence of cannabis
  5. Restrict cannabis in public spaces and cannabis advertising
  6. Control cannabis production and quality and ensure traceability
  7. Separate medical cannabis market and non-medical cannabis market
  8. Sale of cannabis products in specialized stores
  9. Tax cannabis to fund accompanying measures
  10. Regulate cannabis production for personal use

And what do the politicians say?

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

About IG Hemp
IG Hanf is the trade association of the Swiss cannabis industry. It represents its members vis-à-vis politicians, authorities and the public. In doing so, it promotes exchange and cooperation among members, thereby strengthening the cannabis industry in Switzerland.

Their mission is to create a regulated cannabis market to ensure Switzerland is at the forefront of the global cannabis industry. IG Hemp sets new standards for its members and the industry. First and foremost with the quality label Swiss Certified Cannabis, which guarantees reliable product and consumer safety. IG Hanf is also a founding member of the Cannabis Consensus Switzerland association, in which organizations and political parties jointly pave the way for an open and responsible approach to cannabis.

Further information: www.ighanf.ch | www.swiss-certified-cannabis.ch | www.ighanf.ch/ehrenkodex

New step for legalization

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The U.S. House of Commons passed the Marijuana Reform Act this spring, which would legalize cannabis nationwide. Things are also moving in Switzerland: In Basel and elsewhere, preparations for pilot tests on the legal sale of cannabis are in full swing. The canton of Solothurn is calling for a carefully crafted new regulation, i.e. legalization, of cannabis. However, the cantonal efforts could soon be overtaken: The implementation of the Siegenthaler parliamentary initiative, which calls for a new national regulation of cannabis legislation, has cleared another hurdle to implementation.

The initiative of National Councillor Heinz Siegenthaler currently represents the core of political work with regard to cannabis legislation. Basically, it is about drafting a new law that would regulate a legal cannabis market in Switzerland. What the parliamentary initiative demands in more detail can be read in our blog post about it. A few weeks ago, at the beginning of June 2022, a “Subcommission ‘Cannabis Regulation'” has now been created. The sub-commission of the SGK-N is composed of 9 members of all major parties and has the mandate to elaborate a concrete legislative proposal. When the draft for such a “cannabis law” will be available is hard to estimate at the moment. Siegenthaler’s goal is to have a draft law by the end of 2023 and a finished law by 2025. However, the effective timetable depends on many factors, and the clout of opponents of legalization in particular is difficult to gauge at this time.

An important contribution to a new cannabis law will come from the cantons. Thus, much will depend on the results of the “pilot tests”, which will start soon. The pilot trials allow for the legal sale of cannabis containing THC in a protected setting. This summer, the first trials will start in the city of Basel. The search is on for 400 people who want to buy state-owned cannabis. The trial participants will be accompanied by the University Psychiatric Clinics in order to gather the most meaningful results possible on the effects of legal sales. The rapid availability of such data is of great relevance for the drafting of the cannabis law and can significantly speed up the process.
The canton of Solothurn is also stepping on the gas: at the end of May, the government council passed a communication in which the canton calls for the legalization of cannabis. The demands are quite congruent with the demands of Siegenthaler’s parliamentary initiative. Nevertheless, the canton is considering sending a standing initiative to Bern to increase pressure for a speedy drafting of the cannabis law.

For us as Herba di Berna AG it is clear that the above-mentioned efforts are gratifying. Consumers will be better protected by a legal market and the associated quality controls, and the often seemingly arbitrary state repression will be reorganized. Society can use funds elsewhere that are currently health care costs and costs of repression. Furthermore, a legal market can be taxed appropriately to cover – analogous to tobacco – the protection of minors, consumer protection, prevention campaigns and other costs. We are excited to see how the process continues and try to keep you updated on this complex topic.

Links and sources on the topic:
– Marijuana Reform Act in the USA (CNN, English)
– Solothurn government supports legalization (Nau.ch)
– Drug City Basel (Solothurner Zeitung)