Legal opening – an important step
The amendment in August 2022 marked a key milestone: since then, cannabis can be prescribed as a narcotic – similar to an opiate.
This has fundamentally simplified access. More and more patients are now receiving a doctor's prescription and can carry out their therapy legally and under supervision.
More supply, more choice – a developing market
Alongside the legal opening, the range of services has also developed significantly. Today, various forms of therapy and content are available:
• Cannabis flowers for inhalation
• Cannabis extracts for oral administration
• Capsules or suppositories
• New forms such as inhalable extracts
Pharmacies are increasingly specializing in this area, and the range of products continues to grow. Looking ahead, we hope that other medical dosage forms, such as ointments, patches, and other innovative applications, will also find their way into therapy. At the same time, a cautiously positive trend is emerging: prices are beginning to fall slowly – even though they still represent a significant burden for many patients.
More prescriptions – but only rare reimbursements
Although significantly more people receive a prescription today, a key problem remains: Health insurance companies cover the costs in only a few cases. For many sufferers, this represents a considerable financial burden. Some are forced to forgo effective therapy – even though it demonstrably helps them. Others are even forced to resort to the black market again. Especially for chronic illnesses, this situation is neither sustainable nor sensible in the long run.
Finding medical professionals remains difficult
Another obstacle is finding suitable specialists. While there are now more doctors who prescribe cannabis, they remain difficult to find. Specialists are particularly scarce in French-speaking Switzerland. Often, those affected are left with no option but to use telemedicine because there simply isn't anyone available locally. We have been trying for a long time to improve this situation and find specialists – so far with very limited success.
Meeting with the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) and Swissmedic
In discussions with the Federal Office of Public Health and Swissmedic, it became clear how the current situation is assessed: The medical use of cannabis is still considered a niche area. Accordingly, it is expected that those affected, organizations like ours, and the cannabis industry will actively contribute to driving improvements. This clearly demonstrates that our joint commitment remains crucial if the situation is to change sustainably – and we must continue to exert political pressure.
Driving and cannabis in medicine – a grey area
Driving ability is a particularly sensitive issue. As a general rule, even with a doctor's prescription, driving under the influence of THC is legally problematic. Switzerland has very low legal limits, and even the smallest amounts in the blood can have consequences. This puts many patients in difficult situations – even when taking their medication correctly. Clear and practical regulations are lacking – with noticeable consequences for the daily lives of many affected individuals.
Our conclusion: Much has been achieved – but we haven't reached our goal yet
The overall development in Switzerland is positive:
• Access has been made easier
• The range of services is growing
• Prices are beginning to fall
• Medical acceptance is slowly increasing
In comparison to other European countries, Switzerland is currently in a relatively good position. Nevertheless, the reality remains difficult for many affected individuals – particularly due to the lack of cost coverage, the limited availability of specialists, and legal uncertainties in everyday life.
Moving forward together – now is the moment
The current system has potential – but it will only work if health insurance coverage is improved. Without this foundation, the medical use of cannabis will remain inaccessible to many.
As an Association of patients, we work every day to change exactly that: through education, networking and political pressure.
👉 Our voice must be heard.
👉 We must remain visible.
👉 And our Association must continue to exist.
Only together can we sustainably improve access. If you would like to support our work – through membership, a donation , or by sharing our content – you will help make real change possible.
And most importantly: We must our stories . Because only then will it become clear how much this therapy can change lives – and where the system still fails.
