Zuri Can: Switzerland publishes first data from legal cannabis pilot program

In early March, Swiss authorities released the first data from the’Züri Can pilot study conducted in Zurich, providing an initial glimpse into the demand for legal cannabis in the country, as well as consumption trends and social dynamics.

The study’s findings will be used to determine the potential public health implications of the availability of cannabis for adult use in Switzerland.

Demographic Data and Consumer Trends

The Züri Can pilot study, launched in March 2023, saw strong participation, with 1,928 participants enrolled out of a potential total of 2,100. The participants’ demographic characteristics reflect general trends observed in national cannabis use, with a notable predominance of men, who account for 80.5 % of the participants. This trend, as highlighted by Philipp Hagenbach, director of operations at Cannavigia, the company that provides the pilot tracking software, is consistent with previous studies indicating a higher prevalence of male cannabis users in Switzerland.

The study also reveals interesting information on consumption patterns, revealing that a large majority of participants use cannabis four times a week or more. In addition, about one-quarter of participants show signs of cannabis-use disorders, underscoring the importance of regulated distribution channels in mitigating potential harm.

«Participation in the study appears to be particularly beneficial for people who use cannabis frequently,» the researchers note. «However, people who use cannabis only a few times a month are also participating in the study. This will allow us to compare people with different usage patterns in our study.».

The implementation of a self-regulation program, combined with targeted counseling and prevention strategies, appears to be a promising approach for promoting safer consumption patterns among individuals with a tendency toward problematic use.

«The Distribution regulated cannabis »can create a framework that promotes safer cannabis use. In particular, cannabis users with problematic use have easier access to counseling and treatment services,« the authors note. »Vendors at the designated locations have been specially trained in counseling and prevention, making it possible to provide individualized and targeted advice. Since study participants always purchase their cannabis from the same source, a closer relationship of trust can develop over time, which also makes it possible to identify and discuss problematic changes.”

Product Trends and Market Dynamics

The evolution of the product lineup under the Züri Can program highlights the dynamic nature of the legal cannabis market. Initially comprising five different cannabis products—varieties of flower and hashish with varying THC/CBD levels—the program expanded in December 2023 to include a total of nine products. This expansion, as explained by Tobias Viegener, head of marketing at Cannavigia, reflects strong demand for regulated cannabis across a diverse range of products.

With approximately 16,500 sales transactions and 140 kg of cannabis distributed as part of the pilot project, these initial results demonstrate the effectiveness of the distribution system and the participants’ acceptance of regulated cannabis.

Beyond consumption trends, pilot initiatives are focused on understanding the social and economic ramifications of legal cannabis. The upcoming study in the canton of Zurich, conducted by the KOF Swiss Economic Institute and the University of Zurich, will aim to examine the multifaceted effects of cannabis legalization. From health outcomes to public education and economic stimulation, this comprehensive assessment seeks to unravel the complex interplay between legal cannabis and societal dynamics.

Since the Federal Office of Public Health has committed to «understanding the overall effects of regulating cannabis sales,» pilot projects for adult consumption are currently underway or planned in a number of major cities, suggesting that other pilot projects could be launched in the future, according to Mr. Hagenbach.

«Although specific plans for other pilot projects depend on the results and lessons learned from the current studies, the positive progress and valuable insights gained so far point to a solid foundation for future research initiatives,» he adds.

«Although there is interest in and plans to carry out other pilot projects, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) aims primarily to ensure that the research thesis provides additional insights into the market structure.»