4.5 kg of cannabis sold legally in Lausanne in one month

In its first month of operation, the legal cannabis point of sale in the city of Lausanne sold 4.5 kilos, i.e. 5 % of the quantity estimated to have come from the black market.

Frank Zobel, deputy director of Addiction Suisse, clarified some of the buyers« demographic characteristics in an interview with 24 Heures: »On average, they are between 35 and 40 years of age, and generally not involved in substance abuse programs."

For him, this challenges stereotypes and suggests that a diverse group is interested in regulated cannabis. Over 600 adults in Lausanne have expressed their intention to take part in the Cann-L project in the coming months, indicating a potential consumer attraction to legal, regulated channels.

The potency of cannabis sold also provides valuable information. Zobel notes that «the most in-demand cannabis is the most potent, with a THC content of around 15 %, which accounts for 40 % of sales».

Zobel addresses the issue of the presence of drug dealers in the neighborhood, pointing out that early participants in the Cann-L project sourced their supplies through short circuits, such as acquaintances or growers. Zobel argues that street vendors can still meet spontaneous needs that legal outlets cannot.

The Cann-L project, inspired by Quebec, aims not only to monitor the black market, but also to assess the impact of non-profit sales on consumer behavior. Participants are required to complete a questionnaire every six months, the data from which will be used to evaluate the long-term effects of the project.

The financial commitment to the Cann-L project is substantial, with a cost of 1.7 million Swiss francs and a planned duration of four and a half years. It will be used, among other things, to gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of regulated cannabis sales and their potential effects on society.

The cities of Basel and from Zurich have already launched controlled sales of cannabis in pharmacies in 2023.

These initiatives in various Swiss cities are not only experimental, but are also intended to contribute to the ongoing debate. on the development of federal cannabis legislation. In Switzerland, 4 % of adults currently use cannabis, and the data gathered in these pilot projects will play a crucial role in shaping the future regulatory framework.