2025 will be a crucial year for cannabis policy in Switzerland
The Siegenthaler parliamentary initiative is entering a new phase: The draft legislation is being sent out for public consultation, thus opening the topic to public debate. This makes it all the more important to emphasize a clear distinction between medical use and Recreational Consumption . MEDCAN is committed to representing the interests of patients because we know how crucial this differentiation is for an objective and fair discussion.
Distorted perception of medical application
The discussion about the medical use of cannabis is often overshadowed by the debate about Recreational Consumption . Physicians, in particular, encounter problematic patterns of consumption in their practice, such as mixing cannabis with tobacco, high doses, or uncontrolled use. These experiences shape the opinions of many professionals, who then unconsciously transfer their concerns about Recreational Consumption to medical applications. But this is precisely where the problem lies: the circumstances surrounding recreational use could not be more different.
Medical use is not Recreational Consumption
A medication administered under medical supervision with precisely defined active ingredient concentrations, fixed dosages, and clear instructions for use is not comparable to a joint shared with a friend. This equation leads to unnecessary stigmatization of medical use. Another obstacle is the skeptical attitude of many professionals. Instead of relying on scientific findings, personal anecdotes and isolated negative experiences are often given more weight than the entire body of research. Especially when it comes to the question of efficacy, evidence is always demanded that goes a step further than what is currently available. As a result, the discussion remains ideologically driven instead of focusing on scientific facts.
The reality for patients in Switzerland
Despite the legal possibility of obtaining cannabis by prescription, many affected individuals continue to face significant obstacles:
- Health insurance companies refuse to cover the costs, as if the narcotics law were merely a recommendation.
- Many doctors avoid prescribing it due to fear of stigmatization or lack of experience.
- Pharmacists often approach the topic with prejudice.
- The police continue to view patients with suspicion.
All of this leads to many people with chronic illnesses feeling not taken seriously and having to fight for their therapy.
Inequality in care
A particularly critical issue is the financial burden: While financially well-off individuals can afford their cannabis medications, people with lower incomes often face an insurmountable obstacle. Those with chronic illnesses, who could benefit most from cannabis therapy, often have to pay several hundred francs per month out of pocket. This inequality means that a potentially effective therapy is only accessible to a small proportion of those affected.
Time for a clear separation
The medical use of cannabis deserves its own assessment, independent of the recreational debate. Crucially, this requires a well-founded evaluation based on controlled studies, clinical experience, and individual indications. History shows that many substances were initially demonized, then celebrated as panaceas, and finally found their appropriate place.
Let's continue raising awareness and sharing our experiences as patients. Only in this way can we bring about lasting change.
