The Swiss government recently greenlighted the Zurich Cannabis Trial, a groundbreaking project that will assess the potential economic and health benefits of regulating cannabis supply. The Zuri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility project, led by Barbara Burri from the Zurich municipal health department, is a joint initiative between Zurich City Council and Zurich University Hospital.
A Trial Built on Real-World Evidence
The three-and-a-half-year scientific study will allow 2,100 Zurich residents to purchase regulated doses of cannabis for personal use. Participants will complete questionnaires every six months to provide data on consumption habits and health. The project’s primary goal is to gather robust, real-world evidence to inform future cannabis regulation in Switzerland.
A Collaborative Effort: Producers and Supply Points
Swissextract and Pure Production AG, two Swiss cannabis producers, will cultivate the plants for the trial. The first harvest is expected in July, with hash products anticipated in late October. The trial will feature 21 supply points, including pharmacies, special dispensaries, and social clubs, with sales starting in August 2023.
Shifting Public Opinion on Cannabis
One-third of Swiss adults have tried cannabis, and Zurich alone boasts an estimated 13,000 frequent users. In 2008, only a third of Swiss citizens voted for cannabis legalization. However, public opinion has significantly shifted since then, with MPs amending the nation’s narcotics act in September 2020 to allow for pilot legalizations of cannabis.
Diverse Cannabis Products and Monitoring
Participants in the Zurich Cannabis Trial can choose from products with varying concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), including strains with up to 20% THC concentration. Licensed Swiss companies will produce the products organically, ensuring purity and close monitoring.
Study Goals: Health, Safety, and Informed Decisions
The study aims to determine the conditions necessary for cannabis legalization in Switzerland to coexist with promoting individual and public health and safety. The trial will focus on the effects of different cannabis strengths, factors that influence informed decision-making, and the advantages and disadvantages of various sales models.
Rolling Evidence and Participant Requirements
Evidence from the Zurich Cannabis Trial will be published on a rolling basis starting next year. Anyone over 18 can participate in the study, except for pregnant women, professional drivers, and those displaying dependency or health issues related to drug use.
Switzerland’s Expanding Cannabis Research
Further cannabis studies will roll out in other Swiss cities, such as Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Geneva, Biel, Thun, Olten, and Winterthur. Basel has already launched a smaller trial legalizing cannabis use in September.
A Global Shift in Cannabis Policy
As drug policies worldwide evolve, other European countries are reconsidering marijuana regulations. The Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Austria, Italy, Spain, and Malta have all taken steps towards cannabis legalization or decriminalization. Outside of Europe, Canada, Uruguay, and Thailand have also moved to legalize cannabis in the past decade.
Looking Ahead: The Netherlands and Germany
The Netherlands plans a pilot program for cannabis sales in Breda and Tilburg municipalities later this year. Germany is also expected to introduce a bill to legalize the consumption and sale of cannabis within the coming weeks, potentially making it the first EU country to permit nationwide commercial sales.
A Trend Towards Cannabis Legalization
These developments signal a growing trend toward cannabis legalization across Europe and the world. Countries like the Czech Republic and Luxembourg have already proposed plans to legalize cannabis for adult use, while in Austria, Italy, and Spain, possessing small amounts for personal consumption is no longer a criminal offense.
Malta’s Innovative Approach
In 2021, Malta became the first EU country to legalize personal possession of cannabis and permit private “cannabis clubs,” where members can grow and share the drug. This innovative approach offers a new perspective on cannabis regulation.
