Access remains difficult
Since the law changed in August 2022, cannabis can be prescribed by medical professionals in Switzerland. Nevertheless, many people affected by cannabis continue to report difficulty in finding support. There are significant regional differences. In German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, it is becoming increasingly common to find medical professionals who offer assistance. However, the situation remains difficult in French-speaking Switzerland.
We generally recommend speaking with your family doctor first. However, since many medical professionals still have limited experience with cannabis in medicine, additional specialized resources or pharmacies with relevant expertise are often necessary.
Good care, not quick fixes
Telemedicine can be a great relief, especially for people with chronic pain, limited mobility, or long travel distances, and can simplify access to the medical use of association . MEDCAN, however, expects telemedicine services to offer not just the fastest possible route to a prescription, but rather reliable and high-quality medical care that is available regardless of location.
This includes personal consultations, regular progress checks, and individualized therapy adjustments. Effective support requires time, experience, and a strong sense of responsibility – especially with cannabinoid-based therapies. Equally important is assistance with questions regarding insurance coverage. In this area, thorough medical supervision is absolutely essential.
New telemedicine services
In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in new telemedicine services. Many of these platforms offer straightforward online consultations regarding the medical use of cannabis. In some cases, it's possible to first assess, free of charge, whether you are generally a suitable candidate for therapy. Following this assessment, you can then directly schedule an online association .
The platforms listed below have not been officially reviewed or validated by MEDCAN. Therefore, they are explicitly not recommendations, but merely a collection of available options. In the medium term, we hope that feedback and experiences will allow us to better assess which platforms operate reliably and provide good support.
Exchange within the community remains important
Exchange between patients remains important so that people can learn from each other and share experiences. If you know of other platforms or medical professionals with experience in cannabis, please feel free to let us know. Further information, opportunities for exchange, and price and product lists can also be found on our Telegram information channel.
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