Swiss government supports legalising medical cannabis

The home affairs ministry has been tasked with proposing a change to the law by summer 2019
Swissinfo (Switzerland)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018

The Federal Council has recommended the approval of the sale of cannabis for medical purposes. It also wants to legalise pilot tests to establish how a general legalisation would impact consumers. The changes are intended to facilitate access to medical cannabis for patients in Switzerland, according to the Federal Office of Publish Health (FOPH). The Federal Council also said it wanted to allow pilot studies to go ahead to examine the drug’s effects when used recreationally. Although cannabis for recreational purposes is illegal, the number of users had remained stable and the black market was flourishing. Authorities in several Swiss cities and cantons have expressed interest in the studies. (See also: Switzerland weighs relaxing marijuana ban)