Cannabis in medicine- specialist and patient organizations must also be active!

Since the amendment to the Narcotics Act in August 2022, all doctors in Switzerland can prescribe cannabis for medical purposes – without a special permit from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). This was a significant step forward for patients! However, reality shows that access to cannabis therapy remains difficult, and support is hard to find. MEDCAN and the Swiss Society for Cannabis in Medicine (SGCM) are among the few remaining resources.

Franziska Quadri
March 03, 2025

A significant step forward – but many hurdles remain

Many people struggle to find a medical professional to prescribe cannabis. At the same time, health insurance companies often do not cover the costs. Those who wish to use cannabis for medicinal purposes are often left to their own devices and must demonstrate considerable personal initiative and financial resources. Professional and patient organizations in Switzerland are frequently skeptical of the topic and offer little or no information.

Numerous patients benefit

The medical use of cannabis can help people with a wide range of diagnoses. Our Association , MEDCAN, has members with diverse medical conditions – including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, cancer, strokes, ADHD, epilepsy, depression, and many other illnesses. Numerous affected individuals report positive effects, yet their professional or patient organizations rarely address the topic, or only superficially.

Even the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) estimates that well over 100,000 people have illegally used cannabis for medical treatment. So this is not a small group.

Professional and patient organizations must take responsibility

These organizations exist to represent the interests of patients and their specific diagnoses. They should advocate for better healthcare structures and raise awareness of the needs of those affected.

Therefore, our appeal:

If cannabis helps you in your therapy, tell your healthcare provider or patient organization! Encourage them to pay more attention to the issue. The more patients speak up, the harder it will be to ignore.

Here you will find professional and patient organizations that might be relevant to your diagnosis:

Professional organizations

Patient organizations

Together for better care

Only through continuous dialogue and pressure from those affected can change. Together we can ensure that cannabis regains its rightful place in medicine and that access for everyone is improved.