Zurich seeks Cannabis Clubs to distribute cannabis in autumn 2022

Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, will allow the purchase of cannabis products in pharmacies and Cannabis Social Clubs from autumn onwards, under controlled conditions.

The city, in collaboration with Zurich University Psychiatric Hospital, announced the launch of its pilot project «Züri Can - Cannabis with Responsibility» on Tuesday. In a three-and-a-half-year study, the effects of regulated cannabis consumption will be investigated.

The cannabis study is intended to serve as a basis for appropriate cannabis legislation at the federal level, and to provide relevant findings on how best to deal with cannabis, while promoting public health, maintaining public safety and protecting youth.

Health promotion

Participants in the study will be able to obtain their cannabis from pharmacies and Social Clubs. The different ways of obtaining cannabis will enable us to draw valuable conclusions about the different consumer groups.

Supply centers should be given a great deal of freedom to seek out forms of regulated access to cannabis that are as close to reality as possible.

The Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich is investigating which outlets can be used to achieve the long-term goal of promoting public and individual health and safety. In all outlets, the emphasis will be on personal advice and health promotion, as well as on meeting individual needs.

The aim is always to keep users' health risks as low as possible. In addition, participants have free access to a study doctor at all times.

Tested products for responsible users

Cannabis producers supplying the study will require a production permit issued by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. Only cannabis meeting high quality standards will be distributed, with priority given to organic-quality cannabis and local production.

In the study, different cannabis products will be offered, each with a different THC/CBD content. It will therefore be possible to switch to lower-dosage products during the study period.

In order to record the health and social situation and its evolution, participants are interviewed at regular intervals.

Pharmacies and social clubs in demand

The study team is now looking for pharmacies and individuals interested in setting up and running a Social Club. They can contact the study management before the end of the year and ask to participate as a reference point. Cannabis should then be available to study participants from autumn 2022.

Possession of less than 10 grams is already permitted in Zurich.