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

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

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

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

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

Yes, some pharmacies offer next day delivery for orders placed before 4:00 p.m. It is advisable to find out the exact ordering and shipping modalities from the respective pharmacies.

You can get a cannabis passport issued, which gives you a 30-day portability within the Schengen area enabled. Please ask your doctor or pharmacy for further details.

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

The prescription quantity varies depending on individual needs and doctor's recommendation. 

Yes, there are numerous dangers and uncertainties when purchasing cannabis on the black market. In contrast, dispensary cannabis is produced for medical use without the use of harmful chemicals or synthetic THC. Production takes place in accordance with 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 safe and consistent medical care for patients with cannabis.

Whether your cannabis treatment will be covered by insurance depends on your individual insurance policy. If similar treatments are already covered, there is a likelihood that costs will be covered. If not, you may have to cover the costs yourself. However, it is worth fighting for cost coverage, as more and more patients are having success in enforcing these claims.

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

No, unfortunately patients are not allowed to grow their own. This is regulated in the Narcotics Act. The Association MEDCAN does not agree with this. In the future, we will work harder to ensure that patients whose costs for the medical use of cannabis are not or only partially covered are given the right to grow their own cannabis. 

After taking cannabis, side effects are usually moderate. Patients often report dry mouth, red eyes, sleepiness, racing heart, low blood pressure or dizziness.

The intensity of the side effects varies depending on the dosage and can be very different for different patients. Due to the psychoactive compounds, especially tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), changes in perception and level of consciousness may occur, which can cause undesirable effects, especially in sensitive people or in high doses. Experience has shown that side effects diminish over the course of therapy.

Cannabis in high doses, especially non-medical use, can cause 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 if used improperly. Although the risk is low when used professionally and medically, it is important to control dosage and use under medical supervision.

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

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

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

Some studies suggest that cannabis could potentially have positive effects on mental illness, 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 that points to possible negative effects of cannabis on mental health. Particularly in people with a predisposition to mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, the use of cannabis can increase the risk of psychotic symptoms.

It is important to note that the effects of cannabis depend on various factors, including the individual's condition, the type of mental illness, the dosage and the type of cannabis product used. Before considering cannabis to treat a mental health condition, always speak to your healthcare professional.

People with cardiovascular disease should exercise extreme caution when using cannabis. Possible drug interactions, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate are potential risks.

Individual reactions to cannabis vary, and smoking may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Before using cannabis medicinally, even for self-medication, it is essential to discuss this with a doctor in order to minimize possible 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 manufactured under strict quality controls to ensure purity and safety.

The legally acquired substance protects against criminal consequences and enables professional medical supervision. This ensures individually tailored and safe therapy, while the black market harbors potentially dangerous products and legal risks.

Cannabis use can affect the brain, especially if it starts 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, particularly 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 cells in the brain from damage. This could help older people protect the brain as they age, particularly against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

However, research on this topic is ongoing and careful weighing of risks and benefits, ideally in consultation with medical professionals, is advisable.

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

1. Development risks: Cannabis can affect 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 born to women who use cannabis during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms.