Podium for legalization - Medcan is committed
In the afternoon, our President Franziska Quadri part in a panel discussion on cannabis legalization in Switzerland-together with Sven Schendekehl from the Association Legalize IT and L ukas Brunner, the secretary of IG Hanf. The current political status and the upcoming next steps were discussed.
In the Health Commission of the National Council, a draft law to regulate cannabis has been developed in recent years. This draft is expected to go into consultation in July 2025. In this official procedure, cantons, parties, associations and other players can comment and contribute suggestions for improvement.
The revised draft in the National Council and Council of States will then be discussed. Depending on the political course, this process can run over several years. If there is a referendum in the final vote or if one is taken, the draft law could be presented to the people to vote. This is not unusual in Switzerland - and makes it clear how important it is to build broad social support today.
Talks with the BAG: No support in sight
On the sidelines of the festival, Franziska Quadri was able to Christian Werz, the representative for addiction questions at the Federal Office of Health (BAG) . She asked him directly whether there are opportunities to persuade the health insurance companies to better support people with a doctor prescribed.
The sobering answer:
The health insurance companies rarely cover the costs - although it is a narcotics that can only be prescribed with a doctor with great effort. Before they are willing, the health insurers are calling for scientific studies - but these studies are expensive, and nobody is currently ready to cover these costs. The BAG itself is dissatisfied with the situation, but cannot provide financial support either. The Swiss Society for cannabis in medicine is no longer funded due to austerity measures.
The reality: two-class medicine
Medical care with cannabis in Switzerland is still unsatisfactory:
- Only a few doctors: prescribe cannabis, out of uncertainty or a lack of experience.
- The health insurance companies rarely cover the costs , although the prescription of the Narcotics Act runs.
- People with little income fall by the wayside -two-class medicine is created.
This inequality is no longer portable. Seriously ill people have the right to affordable, recognized therapy.
Our demands
We are committed to ensuring that the following points are taken into account in the legal revision:
- Legal self -growing and possessions
can provide themselves with those affected - safe and legal. - Safe access in specialty shops and social clubs
for consumers: inside and for people who use cannabis for wellness reasons - without a black market, without risk. - Clear separation between medical and leisure use
People who are prescribed by cannabis and take it for health reasons need clear legal framework, financial support and claim to paid therapy - regardless of the Recreational Consumption of others. - Regulated help with problematic consumption
instead of criminalization, offers for people with a problematic cannabis consumption - similar to controlled heroin delivery. Such a system would also make sense for cannabis.
Become active now - build pressure together
Many people hope that politics will solve the topic on its own. But nothing will change without social pressure. If we really want to win a later referendum, a wide movement from the middle of society is now needed. Legalize IT has founded a political group in which one can contribute - everyone who has skills and want to bring them into political or educational work are welcome.
We need people who go on the street, give lectures, speak in podiums, commit themselves to social media - and much more.
If you care about the medical application of cannabis and you want access to be fair and legal - then get involved. You can also contact us directly in Association Medcan - we look forward to any support.
Together we create a fairer future for everyone who rely on cannabis as medicine.
