Switzerland: Federal Court decriminalizes possession of 10g of cannabis

Residents of the cities of Zurich, Winterthur and the canton of St. Gallen can now possess 10g of cannabis on their person without risking prosecution or a fine. The Swiss Federal Court has recently ruled that «simple possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use» is not punishable under 10g.

Until now, possession of less than 10g of cannabis by 18-year-olds was punishable by a fine of 100 francs (the equivalent of the probable future French contraventionnalisation).

«We will stop prosecuting adults for simple possession of small amounts of cannabis in the future, or will not process police reports received,» said Katharina Grag, head of the Zurich Court.

Consumption in public is still prohibited and will continue to be punishable by a fine of 100 Swiss francs, without a criminal record.

This change in the law was prompted by the verdict of an adult who was fined 200 francs, plus 100 francs in procedural costs, for carrying 0.5g of weed and 0.1g of hashish. The individual appealed all the way to the Federal Court, which finally ruled in his favor under the’article 19b of the Swiss narcotics law.

Several factors driving change in Switzerland

Switzerland is under pressure from all sides to change its legislation. The cannabis light contributes to a change in mentality and a better understanding of cannabis. Whereas in 2008 only 37% of Swiss were in favor of legalization, today the figure is 66%.

The presence of MP Ignazio Cassis in the Federal Council also contributes to a better appreciation of the Swiss cannabis industry. In fact, Cassis fought for the Hanfinitiative (legalization proposal) in 2008, which was rejected by voters. He was also one of the first cannabis campaigners in the Swiss government, and openly admitted to smoking cannabis as a candidate.