News & Press

MEDCAN regularly informs you about everything you need to know about "medical cannabis".

Four years of medical cannabis: progress, hurdles – and why we as an Association must continue to fight

April 29, 2026

Since the 2022 amendment to the law, the situation in Switzerland has noticeably improved: Cannabis can now be prescribed more easily by medical professionals…

A morning in the Federal Parliament Building – MEDCAN in direct exchange with politicians

September 17, 2025

In the spring of 2025, I contacted National Councillor Anna Rosenwasser via Instagram and asked her if she would take the time to discuss the situation of…

Cannabis legalization: Federal Council launches consultation process

September 3, 2025

The Federal Council has published the draft law to legalize cannabis for adults. The focus of the new law is clearly on protecting young people…

"We, The Patients" – Cannabis for chronic pain

August 27, 2025

Following the successful launch in Zurich in March 2025, the next "We, The Patients" event in Switzerland will take place on October 11th. This time, we will dedicate the event to…

PHYTOMED AG: Continuing education courses on cannabis in medicine, Autumn 2025

August 20, 2025

PHYTOMED AG, a long-standing member of our Association , will continue its strong commitment to the further education of medical professionals in the field of cancer in 2025…

Medcan Online Roundtable – Exchange on Cannabis in Medicine

August 13, 2025

In the future, we will regularly organize a Medcan informal meeting. In a safe and respectful environment, we will exchange experiences regarding the medical applications of…

Well-deserved summer holidays

June 28, 2025

After an eventful first half of the year, we are taking a summer break. Since last December, patient inquiries have increased significantly…

Open letter to the Health Commission – For fair cannabis regulation

June 23, 2025

In June 2025, we – the Medical Cannabis Association Switzerland (MEDCAN) – together with the Association Legalize it! sent an open letter to the Commission for Social Affairs…

Looking back: MEDCAN at the Buds & Beats Festival 2025

June 3, 2025

The Buds & Beats Festival took place in Zurich on May 30th and 31st – a meeting place for cannabis enthusiasts from all over Switzerland. We from the Association MEDCAN were also there…

Home Growing Workshop – a successful start

June 3, 2025

On Saturday, May 24th, our first Grow workshop – by patients for patients – took place at the Migros Club School in Zurich Altstetten. Around 40 interested participants…

Home Growing Workshop – by patients for patients

May 12, 2025

How do you grow your own cannabis plant? What's legal? Which strains help with which ailments? In this free workshop you'll receive practical advice…

MEDCAN'S thoughts on the current price trends for medical cannabis

April 27, 2025

For many patients, the medical use of cannabis is a vital therapy – not a wellness or lifestyle choice. High prices jeopardize access…

Clear separation between medicine and Recreational Consumption

April 25, 2025

In Switzerland, cannabis is currently being discussed in two different areas: as a medicine in medical care and as a recreational drug…

Association MEDCAN in the media – Visible, in demand and more important than ever

April 23, 2025

For over 10 years, we have been providing voluntary and tireless educational work about the medical use of cannabis – without government funding…

We, The Patients – Workshop Cannabis Home Cultivation

April 9, 2025

Following the success of our first Zurich event, we are pleased to invite you to a new format on May 24, 2025 – a practical do-it-yourself workshop…

“We, The Patients” – Our first patient-for-patients event in Zurich was a complete success!

March 10, 2025

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the first "We, The Patients" event in Switzerland took place in Zurich – organized by patients for patients. Around 60 participants…

Cannabis in medicine – professional and patient organizations must also take action!

March 3, 2025

Since the amendment to the Narcotics Act in August 2022, all doctors in Switzerland can prescribe cannabis for medical purposes – without a special permit…

How can you get the costs of cannabis medication covered by your health insurance?

January 25, 2025

If your health insurance or accident insurance refuses to cover the costs of your cannabis medication, here are some strategies that may help you…

“We, The Patients” – First event in Zurich on March 1, 2025

January 25, 2025

Following our successful launch in Madrid in October, we are delighted to announce the first "We, The Patients" event in Zurich! This event…

Mark your calendars: The Annual General Meeting will take place on April 26, 2025

January 22, 2025

MEDCAN cordially invites you to this year's Annual General Meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM in Zurich. Please mark your calendars now…

Newsletter now available in 4 languages

January 19, 2025

From 2025, we will send our newsletter in four languages: German, English, French, and Italian. This is a significant step for MEDCAN to better serve patients…

Buds and Beats Festival 2025

January 17, 2025

A unique cannabis festival will take place in Zurich on May 31, 2025. The Buds and Beats Festival will celebrate its premiere in Hall 622 and promises…

PHYTOMED AG: Continuing education courses on cannabis in medicine 2025

January 8, 2025

PHYTOMED AG, a long-standing member of our Association , will continue its commitment to the further education of medical professionals in the field of cannabis in 2025…

A question that deeply affected our president and still haunts her today.

January 8, 2025

“How would I feel if I were a French patient enrolled in the medical cannabis pilot project and now learned that…”

Press release: 10 years of the Medical Cannabis Association Switzerland

December 17, 2024

A few years ago, the Federal Office of Public Health estimated the number of seriously ill people who illegally self-medicate with cannabis to be over 100,000…

Interprofessional training: «Cannabis as medicine – From Plant to Patient»

December 17, 2024

Cannabis as a medicine is gaining increasing relevance in modern medicine. This interprofessional training offers medical professionals the opportunity…

MEDCAN 2024 Year in Review

December 14, 2024

The year 2024 was a special year for our Association : On December 16th, we celebrated our tenth anniversary. MEDCAN was founded in 2014 by Brun…

10 Years Association MEDCAN – A Decade in the Fight Against Prejudice and for Patient Rights

December 14, 2024

On December 16, 2024, we celebrate a very special anniversary: 10 years Association MEDCAN! What began as an idea by a few dedicated cannabis activists has…

Modern medicine needs to seriously rethink pain therapy

December 9, 2024

Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and poses enormous challenges for both those affected and the healthcare system. The current state of research…

Driving with medical cannabis – a complex challenge

December 2, 2024

The medical use of cannabis is a blessing for many chronically ill people. It helps to relieve pain, manage sleep problems, and improve daily life…

"We, The Patients" – Webinars and events for patients by patients

November 18, 2024

We are pleased to introduce our new social media platform and initiative, "We, The Patients"! This project offers people who use cannabis for medical purposes…

Press release: Administrative court ruling highlights the stigmatization that cannabis patients still face

August 4, 2024

The Medical Cannabis Association Switzerland expresses its concern about the recent decision by the Bern Administrative Court, which rejected a patient's appeal…

Cannabis as medicine – legal since 2022

July 31, 2024

August 1st marks the second anniversary of the law that permitted the unrestricted medical use of cannabis. Since this significant step…

How does cannabis work medically?

July 31, 2024

Cannabis has gained worldwide attention in recent years as a potential medical drug. Despite its historical stigma and legal restrictions…

Visit us at the Hemparade on August 31, 2024!

July 31, 2024

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, the Hemparade in the Zurich Oberland will take place again at the Kulturfabrik Wetzikon. This convivial event offers you the opportunity…

Letter of explanation – if your doctor is unwilling to help with prescribing cannabis

July 29, 2024

With the amendment to the law on August 1, 2022, an important step was taken in Switzerland towards the medical provision of cannabis. Med…

Summer break at MEDCAN – time to recharge and optimize

July 8, 2024

After an intense and successful first half of the year, MEDCAN is taking a summer break. We'll be back in September.

Prescription cannabis for the chronically ill – why MEDCAN is still needed even after the change in the law

July 8, 2024

Since August 1, 2022, medical professionals in Switzerland have been permitted to prescribe cannabis like an opiate. This amendment to the Narcotics Act offers…

MEDCAN at CannaTrade 2024

May 31, 2024

CannaTrade – the International Hemp Fair and Festival – took place for the 18th time, attracting over 10,000 visitors to Z from May 24th to 26th, 2024…

Visit us at CannaTrade 2024: International Hemp Fair in Zurich!

April 27, 2024

It's almost here, and the conference program is now available! Secure your ticket and join us from May 24th to 26th, 2024, for the 18th annual CannaTrade…

Germany decriminalizes cannabis and allows legal consumption

March 22, 2024

In a landmark decision, the German Federal Council announced today that it has decided to refer the matter to the Mediation Committee regarding the legalization…

MEDCAN Annual Report 2023

March 16, 2024

The first year after the change in the law was very busy for the board of the Association MEDCAN. On August 1, 2022, the Narcotics Act was amended…

Patients in Vienna are demanding fair access to the medical use of cannabis

March 13, 2024

This week, the IACM Patient Council is advocating for fair and equal access to medical cannabis at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs…

The new MEDCAN website is online

February 20, 2024

MEDCAN is pleased to present our new website. On this site you will find all the relevant information on how to obtain a prescription in Switzerland…

Cannabis as Medicine – From Plant to Patient

February 14, 2024

This interesting training course is aimed at healthcare professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge of the medical applications of cannabis. Dive in…

CannaTrade – International Hemp Fair and Festival

February 13, 2024

CannaTrade is taking place for the 18th time. This year, it's once again being held in Hall 622 in Zurich. The MEDCAN Association will be there, as always, and will be providing information…

Invitation to the AGM on the 420th

February 13, 2024

MEDCAN will hold its Annual General Meeting in Zurich on April 20, 2024. After several digital events in recent years, we are looking forward to…

Referring to cannabis patients as stoners is wrong and inappropriate

February 13, 2024

It is important to address a problem that affects everyone who uses cannabis medically. In recent weeks, there have been some unpleasant incidents in our medical field…

A look back at 2023 and a look ahead to our 10th anniversary

December 3, 2023

As 2023 draws to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight the progress and challenges in the field of medical applications…

Continuing education focus: Cannabinoids in medicine

November 26, 2023

PHYTOMED AG is organizing another exciting series of continuing education courses on the topic of cannabis in medicine in 2024. Interesting lectures will take place from January to March…

The Doctor – Franjo Grotenhermen

October 26, 2023

The documentary "The Doctor – Franjo Grotenhermen" illuminates the life and pioneering work of Dr. Franjo Grotenhermen, a physician, researcher, and…

Cannabis terpenes and their diverse effects

October 17, 2023

The cannabis plant contains many different ingredients. Terpenes, the aromatic compounds, play a crucial role in producing the specific…

The history of cannabis – between prohibition and legalization

September 11, 2023

This article sheds light on the complex history of cannabis, the reasons for its prohibition, and the current struggle of patient organizations worldwide…

PHYTOMED AG offers training courses on the medical application of cannabis

July 26, 2023

PHYTOMED AG is a long-standing expert in the production of herbal active ingredients and a provider of a comprehensive training and further education program…

One year after the amendment of the Narcotics Act, MEDCAN takes stock of medicinal cannabis in Switzerland

July 24, 2023

MEDCAN issued a press release to mark the anniversary of the legislative change. A year later, the Association is still delighted with this milestone…

MEDCAN – 10 years of tireless dedication to cannabis as medicine

July 23, 2023

MEDCAN is approaching a significant anniversary: Next year our patient organization will turn ten. For almost a decade, we have been committed to…

Swiss ADHD patients face major problems obtaining medical prescriptions for cannabis

July 23, 2023

In recent months, the Association MEDCAN has received an above-average number of inquiries from ADHD patients experiencing difficulties in obtaining prescriptions for…

MEDCAN is taking a summer break – we'll be back in September

June 25, 2023

The MEDCAN Association has been working intensively and is now taking a well-deserved break. However, we remain active behind the scenes and continue to advocate for…

MEDCAN information platform on Telegram for the medical use of cannabis

May 31, 2023

On August 1, 2022, the narcotics law in Switzerland changed. Doctors are now allowed to prescribe cannabis directly. Unfortunately, there is still a…

Shirt parade in the Zurich Oberland

May 25, 2023

The first Hemparade will take place at the Kulturfabrik Wetzikon on Saturday, June 3, 2023. The Association MEDCAN will also be present to offer advice on medical applications…

CannaTrade 2023 – International Hemp Fair and Festival for Business and End Customers

April 24, 2023

CannaTrade takes place from May 12th to 14th – this year again in Hall 622 in Zurich. MEDCAN is very much looking forward to the international hemp trade fair, which…

Medical prescription of cannabis – a review after 258 days

April 14, 2023

On August 1st, the narcotics law in Switzerland changed. Cannabis can now be prescribed without complications. Is this improved access for patients?

Cannabis flowers from Neuro login – a first user report

January 30, 2023

Wow! I read the following in the newspaper in December 2022, almost in disbelief: "Medicinal cannabis flowers are now available in Swiss pharmacies for female patients and…"

Cannabis flowers for medical use are finally available in Swiss pharmacies

December 28, 2022

In 2022, the Narcotics Act changed. Doctors were allowed to prescribe cannabis directly. This change alone was significant for the Swiss cannabis patient…

Cannabinoid Conference 2022

September 25, 2022

The 12th IACM Conference on Cannabinoids in Medicine will take place in Basel on October 20th and 21st. This is the place to be to learn about the latest developments in the medical field…

A day to celebrate!

July 31, 2022

August 1st is now not only the Swiss national holiday but also a special holiday for cannabis patients. The narcotics law…

SRF Puls: Cannabis – From hippie drug to medical hype

April 27, 2022

At the end of summer, cannabis will transition from a prohibited drug to a legal medicine. The active ingredient THC is only recognized as effective in a few areas, such as…

Cannabidiol ban in Switzerland: CBD oil must be rendered inedible.

April 9, 2022

In February, the Association of Swiss Cantonal Chemists warned of alleged health risks associated with taking CBD-containing products…

IACM Patient Council – an international coalition for cannabis patients

March 26, 2022

The website is live – work can begin

Pitch Night Tsüri: Perspectives on Health

September 26, 2020

On September 23, 2020, Tsüri hosted a pitch night at Kosmos in Zurich. To kick off its focus month on "Health," the online newspaper invited interesting…

SRF Reporter: My second life with tetraplegia

September 1, 2020

Since a paragliding accident ten years ago, Franziska Quadri has been paralyzed from the neck down. For a long time, she struggled with her fate, then she took control of it…

MEDCAN on 10vor10: We need affordable medications immediately!

September 1, 2020

Yesterday, the news program "10 vor 10" reported on the Medical Cannabis Association Switzerland and its members. The Swiss medical cannabis law is progressing slowly. The…

Cannabis patient rushed to hospital due to "wrong cannabis"

August 1, 2020

MEDCAN has been drawing attention to a dangerous development on the black market for some time now. CBD cannabis flowers that have been sprayed with synthetic drugs…

The situation on the black market is becoming increasingly dangerous for cannabis patients

July 20, 2020

As MEDCAN has observed for some time, legal CBD cannabis flowers are being sprayed with synthetic drugs and sold as THC-containing flowers. This is due to…

MEDCAN is also gaining international recognition

March 8, 2020

The magazine Medical Cannabis Network has invited MEDCAN to contribute an article about the situation of cannabis in its second issue, which will be published in April 2020…

The entourage effect – the therapeutic interplay of cannabis constituents

January 10, 2020

If you research the medical use of cannabis, you will sooner or later come across the term "entourage effect." What is it? We…

Cannatrade panel discussion

September 21, 2019

Four months ago, the Cannatrade trade fair took place in Zurich. In the panel discussion on the topic of "Cannabis as Medicine," the president of MEDCAN, Franziska Giffey, discussed…

What is a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency?

June 3, 2019

Some researchers believe that many causes of inflammation, pain syndromes, or autoimmune diseases are linked to a disruption of the endocannabinoid system (ECS)..

A situational analysis from the perspective of Swiss cannabis patients

January 24, 2019

The medical use of cannabis is now a much-discussed topic worldwide. The need for information in Switzerland is high. Many…

The endocannabinoid system is not taught in medical school

November 6, 2018

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important neurotransmitter system in the human body that interacts with various active ingredients (cannabinoids) of the cannabis plant. E…

The Medical Cannabis Social Club

March 25, 2018

A report from a Swiss cannabis patient who spends the winter in Spain, or how medical care could also work.

Seniors and cannabis

February 14, 2018

In recent years, cannabis has experienced a renaissance in medicine. Scientific findings on the therapeutic potential of cannabis products…

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"Learn how cannabis medically and how you can obtain it legally."

Franziska Quadri, President of MEDCAN

Entourage effect

Endocannabinoid system

Cannabinoids

Volatile compounds

Effects of different cannabis strains

Forms of intake

FAQs: Useful information about cannabis in medicine

Four years of medical cannabis: progress, hurdles – and why we as an Association must continue to fight

CannaTrade 2026 – Program now online

Annual Report 2025

How desperation led to an effective form of cannabis consumption

Invitation to the MEDCAN General Assembly 2026

Driving and cannabis: Why research is urgently needed

Become a member of MEDCAN in 2026

MEDCAN featured on the SRF program "Gesundheit heute"

CannaTrade 2026

President's Annual Closing Letter

Our honorary members

Our 10th anniversary

Our board

Our mission

Our partners

Our demands

Our supporters

Information

Our stories

News & Press

Four years of medical cannabis: progress, hurdles – and why we as an Association must continue to fight

CannaTrade 2026 – Program now online

Annual Report 2025

How desperation led to an effective form of cannabis consumption

Invitation to the MEDCAN General Assembly 2026

Driving and cannabis: Why research is urgently needed

Become a member of MEDCAN in 2026

MEDCAN featured on the SRF program "Gesundheit heute"

CannaTrade 2026

President's Annual Closing Letter

MEDCAN takes a stand: Patient perspective on the new Cannabis Products Act

Cannabis as medicine: Reality versus BAG statistics

“We, The Patients” in Bern

A morning in the Federal Parliament Building – MEDCAN in direct exchange with politicians

Cannabis legalization: Federal Council launches consultation process

"We, The Patients" – Cannabis for chronic pain

PHYTOMED AG: Continuing education courses on cannabis in medicine, Autumn 2025

Medcan Online Roundtable – Exchange on Cannabis in Medicine

Well-deserved summer holidays

Open letter to the Health Commission – For fair cannabis regulation

Looking back: MEDCAN at the Buds & Beats Festival 2025

Home Growing Workshop – a successful start

Home Growing Workshop – by patients for patients

MEDCAN'S thoughts on the current price trends for medical cannabis

Clear separation between medicine and Recreational Consumption

Association MEDCAN in the media – Visible, in demand and more important than ever

We, The Patients – Workshop Cannabis Home Cultivation

“We, The Patients” – Our first patient-for-patients event in Zurich was a complete success!

Cannabis in medicine – professional and patient organizations must also take action!

How can you get the costs of cannabis medication covered by your health insurance?

“We, The Patients” – First event in Zurich on March 1, 2025

Mark your calendars: The Annual General Meeting will take place on April 26, 2025

Newsletter now available in 4 languages

Buds and Beats Festival 2025

PHYTOMED AG: Continuing education courses on cannabis in medicine 2025

A question that deeply affected our president and still haunts her today.

Press release: 10 years of the Medical Cannabis Association Switzerland

Interprofessional training: «Cannabis as medicine – From Plant to Patient»

MEDCAN 2024 Year in Review

10 Years Association MEDCAN – A Decade in the Fight Against Prejudice and for Patient Rights

Modern medicine needs to seriously rethink pain therapy

Driving with medical cannabis – a complex challenge

"We, The Patients" – Webinars and events for patients by patients

Press release: Administrative court ruling highlights the stigmatization that cannabis patients still face

Cannabis as medicine – legal since 2022

How does cannabis work medically?

Visit us at the Hemparade on August 31, 2024!

Letter of explanation – if your doctor is unwilling to help with prescribing cannabis

Summer break at MEDCAN – time to recharge and optimize

Prescription cannabis for the chronically ill – why MEDCAN is still needed even after the change in the law

MEDCAN at CannaTrade 2024

Visit us at CannaTrade 2024: International Hemp Fair in Zurich!

Germany decriminalizes cannabis and allows legal consumption