On August 29, 2025, the Swiss government launched a three-month public consultation on the Federal Law on Cannabis Products (CanPG), which regulates the legalization of cannabis for adults. The consultation, open until December 1st, gives citizens, politicians, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives the opportunity to comment on the proposal before it is reviewed in Parliament.

If approved, Switzerland will have a legal framework considered both restrictive and ambitious within the European context.

The CanPG is the result of years of debate in the Swiss Health Committee and prioritizes public health over commercial interests. The proposal sets rules from packaging to sales restrictions, aiming to create a non-profit cannabis market, limiting profit incentives, and aligning legislation with international law.

Retail and Online Sales: Stringent Control

The proposal allows for retail cannabis stores, but subject to conditional concessions. The Government will have the power to limit the number of sales points to protect public health. It may directly manage the stores, delegate management to a public body, or grant licenses to private entities, always under federal rules.

In the digital environment, there will be only one authorized online sales channel, supervised by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), which has already overseen pilot tests for legalization. The agency may suspend or revoke licenses in case of violations.

Vertical integration will be prohibited. Producers, manufacturers, and importers will not be able to operate physical sales points or participate in the online channel, and vice versa.

Possession and Purchase Limits

One of the most innovative points of the Swiss model is the definition of limits based on THC content, rather than weight in grams.

At the point of sale: maximum of 5 grams of THC per purchase;

In public: allowed transportation of up to 5 grams of THC, equivalent to 30 g of dried flowers or 15 g of hashish;

At home: cultivation of up to three female plants and storage equivalent to 75 g of THC for personal use.

The restrictions aim to reduce large-scale purchases and prevent diversion to the illicit market.

Cannabis Clubs and Consumption Spaces

The proposal also includes the possibility of Cannabis Clubs, operated by non-profit associations, with membership limits and cantonal supervision.

In addition, controlled consumption rooms will be allowed, where alcohol use will remain prohibited.

Taxation and Public Health Goals

The proposed tax system combines two criteria: THC content and health risks associated with consumption.

Payment will be the responsibility of retailers and online merchants, with oversight from the Federal Office for Customer Security and Border Protection, through a national production-to-sale tracking system.

Health goals include:

- In 10 years, less than 20% of cannabis sold should be smoked;

- At least 50% of products should have low THC content or be additive-free;

- Per capita THC sales should not exceed current levels;

- Online channel profits will be reinvested in prevention, harm reduction, and addiction treatment programs, with annual audits to ensure transparency.

Switzerland in the European Context

Although outside the European Union, Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area and must respect the free movement of goods. This has hindered reforms in other countries, but the Swiss model based on risk reduction may strike a balance between international law and domestic regulation.

If approved, the law will be a watershed moment in cannabis policy in Europe.

Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Malta have made progress with reforms, but none have established a national non-profit market with such detailed rules for production, sales, and consumption.

Next Steps

The public consultation period will determine the political strength of the CanPG. Proposals such as the single online channel and the prohibition of vertical integration are likely to face resistance from the industry.

Nevertheless, the emphasis on public health, prevention, and social responsibility may broaden political support and give the proposal a better chance of approval.

With information from NewsWeed