Switzerland makes cannabis legalization a citizens’ issue

Switzerland is about to take a historic step: legalizing cannabis via a regulated framework, accompanied by national consultation – a first in Europe. The draft law (LPCan) provides for a complex and rigorous structure, designed to reconcile public health, risk prevention and strict supervision of marketing.

The proposed system would be based on several key principles. Firstly, taxation would be dual: it would depend on both THC content and the health risks associated with the product. The distribution chain will be monitored from seed to sale, under the supervision of the Federal Office for Consumer and Border Security. The stated aim is to reduce the health risks associated with black-market products and dry up the black market.

Cannabic neutrality

Swiss regulations on packaging and advertising are among the strictest in Europe. Products must be neutral and unbranded, with THC content limited to a maximum of 5g per unit. Labels must indicate THC content (mg and percentage), include illustrated health warnings, and all advertising is strictly forbidden, whether physical or digital.
With public health in mind, the LPCan sets ambitious targets: within ten years, less than 20% of cannabis sold should be smoked, at least 50% must be low in THC or additive-free, and per capita THC sales must not exceed current levels. In addition, profits from the online channel will be reinvested in prevention and risk reduction, with annual audits to ensure transparency.

Schengen friendly

This project, although Swiss (outside the EU), respects the constraints of the Schengen market and could present an original model in Europe. To date, no other country has gone so far in creating a national non-profit market, supervised at every stage, even if other countries such as Germany, the Netherlands or Malta have initiated partial reforms.
The next phase of the project is crucial: it is currently the subject of a public consultation. The outcome of this consultation will determine the political follow-up to the LPCan. Elements such as the single online sales channel or the ban on vertical integration could provoke vigorous debate.

The people and the grass

This use of citizen consultation to decide on a legal framework for cannabis represents a first on the European continent – an example of direct democracy applied to a complex public health issue.
In France, however, the path to a referendum or popular vote on cannabis legalization remains closed. In January 2025, Grenoble mayor Éric Piolle proposed to President Emmanuel Macron that a national referendum be held on the recreational legalization of cannabis, believing that such a vote would enable the subject to be addressed seriously.

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