In Zurich, what started as a restricted experiment has gained momentum and purpose. The Swiss city has decided to extend until 2028 its pilot project of regulated cannabis sales, the “Züri-Can”. According to information from Newsweed, the initiative, which was supposed to end in 2026, has shown such promising results that it deserved more time to mature.

The proposal is simple but impactful: to understand how controlled legalization can influence consumption, public health, and the illegal market. Today, more than 2,300 people participate in the study, a number that is expected to reach 3,000 by the end of the period.

Results that Tell Stories

More than just statistics, the project is starting to reveal life stories. So far, over 90% of participants already purchase their products through regulated channels, no longer resorting to the black market.

Learn More - Social and health effects of cannabis legalization are the focus of a study in Zurich

“Participants appreciate the fact that they no longer need to buy from the black market; they can consume in a non-stigmatized environment, receive guidance, and are not judged,” said Thilo Beck, one of the study's responsible persons, to Newsweed.

The statement reflects one of the great achievements of the experience: restoring dignity to those who were previously pushed into clandestinity. And in doing so, Zurich not only collects data but also builds bridges between public policy and well-being.

More Time to Understand

With the extension, the local government will also invest an additional 800,000 Swiss francs to expand the sample and include profiles that are still underrepresented, such as women and occasional consumers.

According to Newsweed, the goal is to capture a more diverse and realistic view of regulated consumption, bringing the debate closer to everyday life. The association responsible for the study summarizes the proposal well by stating that “the participants represent your son, your daughter, or your grandmother,” reminding us that behind the word “cannabis” are ordinary people seeking safer and more conscious alternatives.

With information from Newsweed.