Switzerland: 5,000 participants for each recreational cannabis trial

This is a full-scale trial to assess the pros and cons of legalizing recreational cannabis. Starting May 15, and for up to seven years, 5,000 Swiss citizens over the age of 18 will be able to legally smoke cannabis in each pilot program. They must meet certain conditions: they must already be cannabis users, agree to participate in monitoring, and limit their consumption.

«These studies will, in particular, make it possible to evaluate and document, within a scientific framework, its effects on users' health and on consumption patterns.". »But also to assess its impact on the local illicit drug market, as well as on the protection of youth and public safety", states the Federal Council, the Swiss government, in its press release.

Specifically, the 5,000 Swiss participants in the pilot program will be able to purchase cannabis containing up to 20 % of THC, or 5 % above average. He «must meet high-quality standards and be organically grown.». Each month, they will be allowed to consume a maximum of 10 grams of pure THC, which is equivalent to 50 grams of flower containing 20 % of THC. These participants will agree not to smoke in public spaces. Finally, they will be educated about the risks associated with consumption «by retail staff who will be trained accordingly».

Guinea pigs under close observation

This pilot program will be anything but a walk in the park. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the equivalent of the Ministry of Health, will monitor consumers very closely. « Each year, license holdersThe cantons must report the quantities to the FOPH of products received, delivered, and stored, as well as recording the results in a re»search port", states the report complete. In the event of a violation of the terms and conditions, a participant may be removed at any time.

The purpose of this study is to monitor the participants scientifically. Objective: to monitor « the effects on the the physical and mental health of consumers, theperformance, behavior related to the consumption, effects on work capacity »(absenteeism), the family, and consumers' social environment".

In the Swiss Confederation, access to the Access to medical cannabis was made easier a few weeks ago. Hemp is also authorized and limited to 1 % of THC, compared to 0.2 % in France. Recreational cannabis, however, remains illegal. But the government acknowledges that: «Despite this ban, consumption remains high, the black market is thriving, and consumer safety is not guaranteed.». Members of Parliament therefore passed a law to «find alternative approaches to regulation».