St. Gallen, Switzerland, Launches Its 8th Legal Cannabis Pilot Project

The canton of St. Gallen has officially launched one of the largest pilot projects on cannabis in Switzerland, allowing up to 5,000 adult consumers to legally access cannabis-based products.

This initiative, led by the’Swiss Cannabis Research Association in collaboration with the’University of Zurich and the’KOF Institute of the’ETH Zurich, aims to provide policymakers with reliable data on the impacts of regulated adult cannabis use.

Approved by the’Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), this study is part of the broader experimental approach adopted by Switzerland regarding cannabis legislation reform. Since 2023, Several pilot projects have been launched across the country, authorities using the data they have collected to assess the potential for national legalization.

In St. Gallen, between 3,300 and 5,000 participants from 42 municipalities are expected to take part in the project over a period of up to five years.

A Study of the Effects of Legal Access to Cannabis

Like other pilot projects, the main objective of the study is to examine the social, economic, and health impacts of regulated access to cannabis. The researchers also hope to gain a better understanding of how a legal supply can affect the illicit market.

According to the organizers, the project aims to establish «a solid research foundation for the regulated recreational use of cannabis in Switzerland.» The study will examine consumption patterns, prevention measures, health consequences, and the broader societal effects associated with legal access.

The scientific methodology is based on a randomized controlled trial, which is considered the gold standard in empirical research. This approach is designed to generate reliable data that can inform future policy decisions regarding cannabis regulation.

Legal Access to Marijuana, Hashish, Vape Pens, and Edibles

Participants selected for the study will have access to a range of laboratory-tested cannabis-based products, including cannabis flowers, from hashish, and e-cigarettes, and THC oils, and gummies and infused chocolates, supplied by Alpina Pharma, SwissExtract, Charlies Lab, and Alpen Group, which distributes the gummies from the American company Wana Brands, owned by Canopy Growth's U.S. subsidiary.

Product samples available in St. Gallen

The organizers note that all products will undergo quality and safety testing to ensure they are free of contaminants such as pesticides or unauthorized additives. Participants will be able to purchase these products either at dedicated retail locations, at participating pharmacies, or through a home delivery service.

The project's visitor center is located in downtown St. Gallen, while a retail outlet has already been set up in the town of Wil. Other partner pharmacies are expected to join the network.

A two-phase study

The St. Gallen project is divided into two distinct phases.

The first phase focuses on participants’ willingness to pay for legal cannabis products. Lasting approximately ten weeks, it includes surveys designed to assess consumer behavior and price sensitivity in a regulated market.

At the end of this initial phase, participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups for the long-term study. Participants in groups A and B can legally purchase cannabis products throughout the study period, while those assigned to group C do not have legal access to them.

Researchers say that comparing the results between these groups will make it possible to measure the effects of legal access to cannabis with a high degree of scientific rigor.

Participants will also complete regular online surveys throughout the project. These questionnaires will help track changes in consumption patterns, health indicators, and attitudes toward cannabis over time.

Switzerland continues to follow its evidence-based approach

Switzerland has established itself as one of Europe’s most active testing grounds for cannabis policy experimentation. Rather than immediately implementing legalization on a national scale, the Swiss authorities have decided to authorize pilot projects facilities under strict scientific supervision, in addition to complying with the framework of international conventions that authorize the use of cannabis for scientific purposes.

The St. Gallen initiative follows six other similar studies currently underway in Zurich, Basel and in other regions.

Pilot Cannabis Trials in Switzerland