The visit on 10 September
On September 10, the moment finally arrived: With an official invitation, our Vice President Simón and I were able to spend an entire morning in the Federal Palace—where members of the National Council and Council of States gather, exchange ideas, and meet with lobbyists. It was a very special experience for us.
A listening ear – and genuine appreciation
Anna and her assistant took a full hour to speak with us. This open ear, despite the fall session, and the appreciation we received were deeply touching. For our Association work, it was not only politically significant but also deeply moving to witness the proceedings in the Federal Parliament and to feel that our concerns were being taken seriously.
Medical care since August 1, 2022
We discussed medical care since the change in the law on August 1, 2022, which allows medical professionals to prescribe cannabis like an opiate. For patients, this is a historic step forward—we can finally receive legal care. We used the meeting to thank politicians for the change in the law. At the same time, we highlighted existing problems: There are still only a few medical professionals who prescribe cannabis, and health insurance coverage remains a major hurdle. Many affected patients can barely afford their prescribed medications.
On the planned legalization in Switzerland
The planned legalization of cannabis was also a topic of discussion. It is particularly important to our Association that medical use remains clearly separated from Recreational Consumption , so that the secure status of patients is not jeopardized. We have already written a detailed article on this topic, explaining why MEDCAN calls for a clear separation between medical use and Recreational Consumption .
Concern with regard to Germany
In our discussion about legalization, we raised our concerns about what is currently happening in Germany: There, legalization has partially undermined the position of patients. Many Recreational Consumption now obtain prescriptions from doctors; this undermines the credibility of those who are actually ill. We support legalization—but not at the expense of patients. We want to prevent this development from being repeated in Switzerland; therefore, we advocate for a clear separation and precise rules for medical care.
Concrete next steps in Parliament
Anna outlined the next steps: Her team will submit a parliamentary inquiry to the Federal Council to obtain official figures for the first time—for example, how frequently cannabis is prescribed and how often health insurance companies cover the costs. If the response is insufficient, the next steps could be an interpellation or a motion to examine the economic potential of medical use and increase pressure for reimbursement. Patient testimonials are particularly important for such a motion—MEDCAN will, of course, help provide information here.
Further discussions in the Federal Parliament
In addition to Anna Rosenwasser, we were also able to meet Barbara Gysi, a driving force behind legalization. We were very impressed by her commitment to fair and safe regulation. Islam Alijaj, a National Council member and long-time disability rights activist, also took time for a brief chat despite the stress of the session.
We also tried to talk to other politicians, but we were already in awe – it was a special experience for us. These "hallowed halls" of the Federal Parliament, the well-known political figures, and their work left a deep impression on us, and we hope to be able to visit again in the future to exert political influence.
Why this matters
This morning has shown us that patients' concerns are being heard. Cannabis isn't a miracle cure, but it is an effective herbal medicine with moderate side effects. It improves the quality of life for many people and can even reduce healthcare costs in the long term. We are convinced of this. And Anna also sees an opportunity to convince even critical voices in parliament that the medical use of cannabis should be covered by health insurance through demonstrable cost savings.
Stay tuned – before the debate on legalization gains momentum
To further improve the situation for patients, it is crucial that we stay on the front foot before the legalization debate gains momentum. Slowly but surely, a functioning medical cannabis market is emerging with various cannabis flowers and extracts – including from Switzerland. We are very pleased about this. And this trend should definitely continue.
Take action now – your support counts!
MEDCAN has made a name for itself in recent years – as a voice for patients, a political force, and a contact point for those affected. But our work thrives on commitment and solidarity. Become a member or support us with a donation – so that we can continue to fully advocate for safe access to cannabis in medicine. Together, we can ensure that patients are not forgotten and that the medical use of cannabis in Switzerland is further strengthened.
