Switzerland: Zurich pharmacists want to legalize and sell cannabis

Switzerland is known for its avant-garde approach to health policies. In addition to legalizing assisted suicide, it notably introduced in the 90s an unprecedented drug enforcement policy based on harm reduction and prevention. However, when it comes to cannabis, Switzerland is still hesitating between decriminalization and market regulation. Some experts believe the country should have legalized it a while ago. Recently, pharmacists in Zurich have called for the legalization of cannabis and offered to manage its distribution.

Cannabis sold in pharmacies

The Zurich Pharmacists' Association, which has approximately 110 pharmacies (almost 10%), published a Position Paper which advocates for the legalization of cannabis. Among the arguments put forward are: the elimination of the black market, the current crackdown on which costs the country approximately 883 million euros, and the ability to provide verified and safe products. The president of the Zurich Pharmacists’ Association, Valeria Dora, pointed out that cannabis use is on the rise among Swiss residents and that, as a result, legalization is necessary. Between 2.38% and 5.94% of the Swiss population smokes regularly, and 40% of men and 33% of women have tried it at least once in their lives.

The association proposes to legalize medical and recreational cannabis, but advises against a commercial model in the American style or in the style of coffee shops. The ideal according to Valeria Dora would be to limit cannabis marketing: “We must not in any way trivialize or promote consumption.» She therefore recommends that cannabis be classified as a medicinal product and its sales controlled. Medical and recreational cannabis would be sold in pharmacies with health advice and prevention posters.

The association consulted external pharmacists and, according to them, a majority are willing to sell cannabis in their establishments. This regulatory model is also supported by Michael Herzig, former member of the national drug commission and professor at the University of Zurich. On the other hand, Pharma-Suisse, the Swiss National Association of Pharmacists, stated that it was «not convinced» that pharmacies are the most suitable place for the sale of cannabis of any kind. However, it supports the idea of legalization.

According to Rudolf Brenneisen's opinion, President of the Swiss Working Group on Cannabinoids in Medicine (SACM) and Editor of the Journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Both uses should have different marketing models. Regarding recreational cannabis, he recommends the club model. As for medical cannabis, according to him, it should be «dispensed in pharmacies by competent people» like in the German model. «I am sure that this will also be the case in Switzerland within three years,» he adds.

The current situation of cannabis in Switzerland

Switzerland has implemented pilot programs for access and reimbursement of medical cannabis for patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other severe illnesses. In 2016, 2,000 patients had access. Two years later, this figure exceeded 5,000 but remains limited compared to the number of people who use cannabis for treatment, according to the Federal Office of Public Health. They range from 66,000 to 111,000, but only a few have a permit as it is difficult to obtain and is granted on a case-by-case basis.

In the wake of the Davos summit, where global political and financial elites met with cannabis industry leaders, a consensus on legalizing cannabis is forming in Switzerland. The Ministry of Health confirmed it favors regulation and believes a discussion on the matter is «urgent.» The Ministry of the Interior is set to propose new legislation before this summer. Despite a form of decriminalization in 2013, recreational cannabis remains illegal, and attempts to implement pilot legalization projects in certain regions have so far failed. despite the authorities' support.