Swiss Legislators Could Call a Cannabis Referendum

Legalizing the adult-use of cannabis is now on the table in Switzerland. The National Council is expected to consider a proposal that will look into establishing a regulated cannabis market, effectively ending the era of prohibition in the Alpine country. 

Several Swiss political parties have expressed their support to the legalization initiative, including the Greens, the Social Democratic Party (SP) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Their hopes are that setting up a regulated market would help subdue the country’s black market and improve public health. 

The proposal in the works would reportedly provide strict government control on cannabis, clear tax rules on operators, as well as opportunity for those who want to grow at home to do so freely, without fears of legal repercussions. 

Legalization May Pass in Parliament, But Referendum Still Seems Inevitable 

Although there is currently a strong political support on cannabis legalization in Switzerland, and a law could be passed in parliament with strong majority, most likely, the Swiss people will have the final say on the matter. A national referendum on cannabis legalization is highly possible to take place throughout 2025. Given that enough people vote in favor of cannabis legalization, the new law could be activated in the summer of 2026 at the earliest. 

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illegal drug in Switzerland, as is the case with the rest of Europe. Stats suggest that nearly ten percent of Switzerland’s population uses cannabis on a regular basis. 

The Greens and Social Democrats support the initiative, granted that the new cannabis law contains provisions that would guarantee health protection for young people. 

Among those who’ve stood opposed to the proposal is the conservative Swiss People’s Party (SVP). Some party members have already voiced concern on the potential negative social aspects that might come with widely approved use of cannabis. 

SVP National Council Member, Rémy Wyssmann, has expressed fears that legalization is not in line with the demands of Swiss society and that it could bring unwanted outcomes such as addiction and work incapacitation. However, SVP party leader Thomas Aeschi has reportedly announced that his party would support a referendum should a bill is passed in parliament. 

In the meantime, Switzerland has several active pilot projects in place that seek to evaluate controlled regulated sales of adult-use weed products. The first pilots launched in 2023. They have been implemented in almost all big cities across Switzerland, such as Basel, Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Lausanne. Last year, health officials in Zurich gave the first positive assessment from the controlled study conducted in that city. 

Also read on Soft Secrets: 

• French Mayor Asks for Cannabis Referendum 

• Cannabis Reform in Costa Rica Blocked

• Hawaii Recreational Cannabis Bill Shelved for 2026