Referendum on cannabis in Switzerland gets closer.
The legalisation of cannabis is gaining increasing support in the Swiss parliament. Politicians admit that the current prohibition policy has failed and that a regulated cannabis market can be an effective tool to curb illegal trade. The final decision on legalization is likely to be made in a referendum, which could take place in 2025.
The issue of recreational cannabis is back on the political agenda in Switzerland. The National Council is expected to consider a proposal to establish a regulated cannabis market, which would mean a permanent end to prohibition in the country.
Political party support for legalization
Several Swiss political parties, including the Greens, the Social Democratic Party (SP), and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), support legalization. Supporters of the initiative hope that a regulated market will help combat the black market and improve public health.
The proposal being prepared assumes strict government control, transparent tax rules for cannabis operators and the possibility of legal cultivation of cannabis at home without fear of legal consequences.
Legalisation in parliament, but referendum a foregone conclusion
Despite the broad political support for the legalization of cannabis, the final word on the matter will belong to citizens. Even if the bill is passed by a large majority in parliament, a nationwide referendum seems inevitable. The referendum could take place in 2025, and if the result is positive, the new regulations could come into force in the summer of 2026 at the earliest.
Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Switzerland, as in other European countries. Statistics show that almost 10% of the Swiss population regularly uses cannabis.
The Greens and Social Democrats support legalisation, emphasising that the new regulations will include provisions that protect the health of young people.
Opposition and opponents' concerns
Opponents of legalisation are also speaking out. The conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP) has expressed its reservations, pointing to the possible negative social consequences of legalization.
Rémy Wyssmann, a member of the National Council for the SVP, stated that legalization could lead to an increase in addiction and a decrease in productivity in society. In turn, party leader Thomas Aeschi announced that the SVP would support a referendum if the bill passed parliament.
Pilot cannabis projects in Swiss cities
Parallel to the parliamentary debates, Switzerland is implementing several pilot programs to assess the effects of the controlled sale of marijuana for adults. The first such initiatives were launched in 2023 in the country's larger cities, such as Basel, Zurich, Geneva, Bern, and Lausanne.
The first pilot study was completed in Zurich last year, and local health officials assessed the results positively. The decisions that will be made in the coming months could permanently change Switzerland’s approach to cannabis, paving the way for one of the most progressive regulatory models in Europe.
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Liz Filmer
