Swiss Government Approves Cannabis Legalization Trial

Switzerland’s government has approved a trial to legalize the sale and consumption of cannabis and assess the social and economic benefits of regulating cannabis products, CNBC reports. Starting this summer, a test group of 2,100 Zurich residents will be allowed to purchase regulated doses of cannabis for personal use from pharmacies, dispensaries, and social clubs in the city. 

As part of the study, participants will be expected to answer a questionnaire every six months on their cannabis consumption habits and health effects. The study is conducted in collaboration with the University of Zurich. Barbara Burri, project manager at Zurich’s municipal health department said, “The idea is to get robust real-world evidence that serves policymaking for new regulation on cannabis.” 

Zurich residents who are active cannabis consumers, of legal age, have no underlying medical conditions, and are not employed as professional drivers may register to participate in the program, the report says. According to public health surveys, about a third of adults in Switzerland have tried cannabis, In Zurich, which has more than 420,000 residents, an estimated 13,000 residents are regular cannabis consumers. 

Other similar studies and trials with public and university sponsors are also planned in the cities of Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Geneva, Biel, Thun, Olten, and Winterthur over the coming months.