Fair access remains our goal
At MEDCAN, we have been committed for years to ensuring fair access to medical cannabis for everyone – regardless of income or social status. We are concerned about the price trends for cannabis flowers, which could seriously jeopardize access for many. High-quality medical flowers in Switzerland range from CHF 8 to CHF 18 per gram, but most cost between CHF 10 and CHF 14. A 10-gram bag can therefore cost up to CHF 180. For patients with a monthly prescription of, for example, 60 grams, the monthly costs quickly rise to CHF 900 or more – projected to around CHF 10,800 per year. This is unaffordable for many chronically ill people.
For this model calculation, we deliberately chose cannabis flowers because they currently represent the most affordable form for many patients – even if other forms of administration would sometimes be more suitable from a medical point of view.
Medicine, not lifestyle
Most people who rely on cannabis for medical purposes belong to a particularly vulnerable group. They don't use cannabis for wellness or lifestyle enhancement, but need it as a vital medicine to maintain their quality of life. For many, access to effective therapy means being able to continue actively participating in social life or even remain employed despite serious chronic illnesses.
Maintain quality of life and prevent social isolation
Medical cannabis makes it possible to alleviate pain, spasticity, or other debilitating symptoms, thereby preserving a minimum level of independence and dignity. Without effective treatment, social isolation, inability to work, and loss of autonomy are imminent threats. Many patients also face additional financial hardship or are forced to abandon their social contacts, which severely impacts their quality of life. Therefore, safe and affordable access is not only a matter of health, but also of social participation and social justice.
Coverage of costs is urgently needed
Many affected individuals rely on disability insurance benefits or other support mechanisms. Against this backdrop, coverage of costs by health insurance companies is not only desirable but urgently necessary. Without financial support, many remain denied access to effective therapy – with serious consequences for their health, their participation in society, and their life prospects.
Danger of a two-tier healthcare system
If the medical use of cannabis remains practically only affordable for the well-to-do, we are heading towards a dangerous two-tier healthcare system – something MEDCAN strongly opposes. High-quality products deserve fair compensation. But a balance between quality, cost-effectiveness, and broad accessibility is essential. A premium positioning must not lead to 80% of patients being excluded from the outset.
A call for joint solutions
Medcan calls on all stakeholders – producers, importers, pharmacies, and authorities – to closely monitor this development and work together to find solutions. Fair prices and transparent models are needed – as well as structural solutions such as mandatory cost coverage – to ensure that medical cannabis is accessible to everyone who truly needs it.
We look forward to an open and constructive dialogue in the interest of all patients in Switzerland.
