Welcome to MEDCAN – a non-profit Association for people who use cannabis as medicine.

A doctor's visit usually costs between CHF 85 and CHF 150. The costs are usually covered by your health insurance, especially if your general practitioner refers you to a specialist. However, it is advisable to check with your insurance company beforehand to ensure that the costs are covered.

Cannabis flowers: Prices range from 10 to 20 Swiss francs per gram, with an average of 12 to 15 Swiss francs.

Cannabis oils, extracts and other products: Costs vary depending on the product type and quality and may differ from pharmacy to pharmacy. For specific pricing information, we recommend contacting your pharmacy directly.

Support: For personal exchange and testimonials from other patients, visit our Telegram channel.

Yes, some pharmacies offer next-day delivery for orders placed before 4:00 PM. It is advisable to contact the respective pharmacies to find out about the exact ordering and shipping procedures.

You can obtain a cannabis passport, which grants you a 30-day carry-on within the Schengen Area This is possible. Please ask your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

No, your medical treatment and condition are confidential and protected by the right to medical privacy in Switzerland.

The prescribed quantity varies depending on individual needs and medical recommendations. 

Yes, there are numerous dangers and uncertainties associated with acquiring cannabis on the black market. In contrast, cannabis from pharmacies is produced for medical use without the use of harmful chemicals or synthetic THC. Its production adheres to the strict guidelines of GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices), EU-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certifications. These quality standards ensure a safe and consistent medical supply of cannabis for patients.

Whether your cannabis treatment will be covered by insurance depends on your individual policy. If similar treatments are already covered, there's a good chance the costs will be reimbursed. If not, you may have to pay for it yourself. However, it's worth fighting for coverage, as more and more patients are successfully claiming reimbursement.

The legal regulations regarding this are still being clarified. We recommend not driving under the influence of cannabis and are in dialogue with regulatory authorities to establish fair and safe guidelines.

No, unfortunately, home cultivation by patients is prohibited. This is regulated by the Narcotics Act. The MEDCAN Association disagrees with this. In the future, we will increasingly advocate for patients whose costs for the medical use of cannabis are not covered or only partially covered, to have the right to grow their own. 

After taking cannabis, side effects are usually rather moderate. Patients often report dry mouth, red eyes, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, or dizziness.

The intensity of side effects varies depending on the dosage and can differ significantly between patients. Due to the psychoactive compounds, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), alterations in perception and consciousness can occur, which can cause undesirable effects, especially in sensitive individuals or at high doses. Experience shows that the side effects subside over the course of the therapy.

High doses of cannabis, especially non-medicinal use, can induce a state of intoxication. This is characterized by a shift in consciousness with associative, erratic thinking and an impairment of short-term memory. An overdose can lead to circulatory problems and anxiety.

Cannabis can be addictive, especially when misused. Although the risk is low when used properly and medically, it is important to monitor dosage and use under medical supervision.

Some people develop an addiction due to regular and excessive consumption. However, susceptibility varies from person to person, depending on genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. If you have concerns, it is advisable to seek professional help.

Cannabis can interact with certain medications, because it can affect the metabolism of drugs that are broken down in the liver via the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. This means that it could increase or decrease the concentration of these medications in the blood, which could lead to undesirable effects.

To ensure you do not risk any potentially dangerous interactions, always consult with medical professionals. 

Some studies suggest that cannabis may have potentially positive effects on mental health conditions, particularly in relieving symptoms such as anxiety or sleep problems. Many of our members use cannabis to stabilize their mental health.

However, there is also research indicating potential negative effects of cannabis on mental health. In particular, cannabis use can increase the risk of psychotic symptoms in people with a predisposition to mental disorders such as schizophrenia.

It is important to note that the effects of cannabis depend on various factors, including individual constitution, the type of mental illness, dosage, and the type of cannabis product used. Before considering using cannabis to treat a mental health condition, always talk to your medical professionals.

People with cardiovascular disease should be extremely cautious when using cannabis. Potential interactions with medications, increased blood pressure, and elevated heart rate are possible risks.

Individual reactions to cannabis vary, and smoking can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Before using cannabis for medical purposes, even for self-medication, it is essential to discuss this with a doctor to minimize potential risks and ensure a safe approach.

A doctor's prescription for medical cannabis offers several advantages over the black market. Cannabis available through pharmacies is produced under strict quality controls to ensure purity and safety.

Legally acquired substances protect against criminal prosecution and allow for professional medical supervision. This ensures individually tailored and safe therapy, whereas the black market carries potentially dangerous products and legal risks.

Cannabis use can impair the brain, especially if it begins at a young age. There is evidence that consumption in adolescents may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and changes in brain structure, especially in areas such as learning, memory and attention.

However, it is important to emphasize that cannabis may also have neuroprotective properties. Some research suggests that cannabinoids in cannabis have the potential to protect brain cells from damage. This could help older people protect their brains as they age, especially from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

However, research on this topic is not yet complete, and a careful assessment of risks and benefits, ideally in consultation with medical professionals, is advisable.

The use of cannabis during pregnancy is generally not recommended. Research suggests that cannabis use during pregnancy may be associated with various risks. 

1. Development risks: Cannabis can impair the developing brain and nervous system of the fetus, which can lead to long-term cognitive and behavioral problems.
2. Risk of premature birth: Cannabis use during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of premature birth.
3. Low birth weight: Cannabis use during pregnancy may increase the risk of low birth weight in the newborn.
4. Withdrawal symptoms: Newborns of women who use cannabis during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms.