The main points of the draft:
- Possession: 5 grams of THC are permitted in public and 75 grams of THC at home.
- Home cultivation: up to 3 plants per adult person.
- Commercial cultivation: Approval by the federal government, small licenses up to 200 m² are possible.
- Sales: exclusively through licensed, non-profit shops.
- THC limits: 20% for flowers, 60% for extracts; additives such as sugar, flavorings, nicotine or alcohol are prohibited.
- Packaging: neutral, child-resistant, with warning labels.
- Tax: Steering tax depending on the THC content.
The consultation period runs until December 1, 2025, and the parliamentary debate is scheduled for spring/summer 2026. MEDCAN has been officially invited to participate in the consultation and contribute the patients' perspective.
Why we support legalization
For MEDCAN, one thing is clear: Legalization is an important step for Switzerland. We expressly welcome the Federal Council's initiative because:
- Youth protection and health are paramount. A regulated market protects young people better than an uncontrolled black market.
- Clear rules for cultivation, sale and consumption will be established.
- Decriminalization finally becomes a reality: Adults who consume drugs will no longer be prosecuted.
- The black market and unsafe products will be pushed back – which also benefits consumers and society.
It is important to us that Recreational Consumption regulated is. This is the only way to reduce abuse and risks. A legal market is the best protection – both for young people and for society as a whole.
Two different laws for the future
With legalization, there will two legal bases :
- A law for the medical use of cannabisthat remains unchanged.
- A new law for Recreational Consumptionthat clearly regulates access for adults.
MEDCAN emphasizes the need for a clear distinction between medical use and Recreational Consumption . Patients with serious diagnoses who use cannabis to manage their daily lives should not be equated with individuals who consume cannabis for lifestyle or wellness reasons. A doctor's prescription clearly indicates a medical reason for use – in this case, it is a medicinal product, not a recreational drug.
Important law for patients:
Since 2022, medical professionals have been able to prescribe cannabis. For many people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cancer, or chronic pain, cannabis is an indispensable treatment option. However:
- Health insurance companies often refuse to cover the costs. Patients bear the burden alone – an untenable situation.
- Home cultivation as a last resort: We don't want patients to have to grow their own medication. But as long as health insurance companies don't cover the costs, this option shouldn't remain prohibited – otherwise, we risk a two-tier healthcare system.
- Legal uncertainty: Many affected individuals are unsure whether legalization will improve or worsen their situation. Guarantees are needed here.
Our demands
- Clear separation of medicine and Recreational Consumption
Medical cannabis must be treated as a medicine – with the same standards as other medications.
- Reimbursement by health insurance companies
: Patients who use cannabis for medical purposes must no longer be financially discriminated against.
- Protection against two-tier medicine:
Access to medical cannabis must not depend on income.
- Home cultivation as a means of self-help:
Until health insurance companies take over their responsibility, home cultivation must be possible.
Legalization is a historic opportunity for Switzerland. It creates order and security, protects young people, and offers the chance to correct decades of misguided developments. For MEDCAN, it is crucial that patients are not forgotten in this process. We will actively participate in the consultation process and make our voices heard clearly – so that cannabis is regulated fairly, safely, and humanely in Switzerland.
Support our work: Become a member of MEDCAN. Together we ensure that patients retain a strong voice.
