A parliamentary commission in Switzerland last week advanced an adult-use cannabis legalization bill, moving the proposal to the full body, Agence France-Presse reports. Switzerland currently allows medical use of cannabis products that contain below 1% THC.
The draft proposal was approved by the lower house of parliament’s health commission with 14 votes in favor, nine opposed, and two abstentions. The commission pointed to a 2022 Swiss survey that found 4% of individuals aged 15 to 64 had consumed cannabis in the previous month and said that “cannabis is a societal reality.”
“The majority of the commission believes the current situation is unsatisfactory and that the prohibitive approach is a mistake.” — the Swiss lower house of parliament health commission via AFP
The commission said that while “The law must regulate the cultivation, manufacture and trade of cannabis,” it must not encourage consumption.
Under the proposal, anyone over 18 years old in Switzerland would be permitted to grow up to three plants at home, and buy and consume cannabis. Product branding would not be permitted, packaging would be neutral and carry warning labels.
Shops would be state-run, limited in number, and non-profit, the report says. All proceeds from sales would be used for drug prevention, harm reduction, and addiction assistance.
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