For the first time, the National Council’s health policy makers are outlining just how liberal the state should be with THC products in the future. Meanwhile, Germany is heading in a completely different direction? Today, it’s election day.
Meanwhile in Switzerland, Jamie Pearson in CannabisNow gave us a huge inspiration for this article here and was original published here. Following a landmark vote by the National Council’s Social Security and Health Committee (SGK-N) on February 14, 2025, Switzerland is rapidly paving the way for a fully regulated adult-use cannabis market—a move that promises significant opportunities for cannabis startups and investors alike.
This draft federal law, approved by a committee vote of 14-9 (with 2 abstentions), would legalize the cultivation, sale, possession, and consumption of cannabis under a strict regulatory framework. The proposal will enter a public consultation phase this summer, and if it gains final approval, implementation could begin as early as 2026.
A New Regulatory Landscape with Business Potential
Swiss authorities are building on the success of pilot projects launched in cities such as Basel, Zurich, and Bern since 2023. These programs have not only provided valuable data on controlled cannabis access but have also laid the groundwork for an innovative and transparent market structure. The proposed law includes several key measures designed to balance public health concerns with market opportunity:
- Personal Cultivation: Adults aged 18 and over would be allowed to cultivate up to three female cannabis plants for personal use, offering a controlled entry point for home growers.
- Commercial Sales: Cannabis production may operate profitably; however, retail sales will be conducted under a state-controlled licensing system. Retail outlets are mandated to operate without profit orientation, with any surplus reinvested in prevention, harm reduction, and addiction support programs.
- Strict Regulation: Products will be sold in neutral packaging with mandatory health warnings and are subject to a comprehensive advertising ban. The entire supply chain will be digitally tracked, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
- Taxation & Revenue Use: Cannabis products will be taxed according to THC content and consumption method, with revenues channeled back into the health insurance system.
- Cantonal Oversight: Local cantons will retain significant authority over licensing and enforcement, ensuring tailored approaches to regulation.
- Road Safety: A zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of cannabis remains in force; any detectable THC will result in drivers being deemed unfit to operate a vehicle.
Voices from the Industry
At a recent Talman House Event in Zürich, experts from across the cannabis spectrum provided further insights:
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Paul-Lukas Good, a renowned Swiss attorney and President of Swiss Cannabis Research, stated,
“This draft law represents a major shift in Swiss drug policy. It acknowledges the failure of prohibition and aims to create a transparent and responsible market that prioritizes public health.”
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Andrew David Petronanos, CEO & Chairman of Dascoli Pharma AG, added,
“Switzerland’s proposed adult-use legalization rules demonstrate how a state-controlled cannabis model can ensure strict regulation designed to prevent misuse, while preserving pharmaceutical integrity. This approach could guide the EU legalization model, keeping medical and adult-use markets distinct for safety and compliance.”
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Bob Hoban, a global cannabis industry veteran and faculty member of the Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV, highlighted the economic potential:
“A legal cannabis market in Switzerland will drive innovation, create jobs and generate significant tax revenue.”
He further noted that the regulatory program “ensures quality control and consumer safety while extinguishing the illicit market. And this sets the program up for demonstrable success that both the industry and the international community require.” -
Sergio Martinez Bejar of Blimburn Seeds commented on market innovation, stating,
“A policy like this creates an opportunity for seed companies to engage directly with consumers while ensuring genetic diversity and quality control. It encourages home growing and also challenges us to innovate and adapt to a sophisticated and regulated Swiss market.”
A Critical Question for the European Cannabis Market
With Germany taking a notably more restrictive stance on cannabis regulation, a critical question emerges for the region’s investors and startups: If Germany is shooting everything down with cannabis, will Switzerland capture the new market? For businesses looking to capitalize on an evolving European regulatory environment, Switzerland’s proactive and balanced approach could prove to be a game-changer.
Conclusion
For cannabis startups and investors, the proposed Swiss legislation represents more than just a policy shift—it signals the birth of a structured, transparent, and innovation-friendly market. As public consultation continues and the final law takes shape, industry stakeholders should monitor these developments closely. The potential for robust market growth, coupled with a framework that emphasizes public health and regulatory rigor, makes Switzerland a promising frontier in the European cannabis landscape.
