Swiss Cannabis Pilot Projects 2026: City Comparison & Alternatives | CannabisClub.ch

Basel, Zurich, Bern, Lausanne, Geneva, Lucerne: every Swiss cannabis pilot compared. Eligibility, pricing (CHF 8–13/g) and the legal alternative for non-participants.

Six cities, six frameworks, one common goal: the scientific evaluation of a regulated THC market. We compare Switzerland's cannabis pilot projects 2026 — Basel, Zurich, Bern, Lausanne, Geneva and Lucerne — side by side: who can join, how long the waitlists are, what a gram costs, which strains are offered, and what to do if you're not eligible.

TL;DR — Swiss cannabis pilots at a glance

What is a Swiss cannabis pilot project?

Since May 2021, the revised Article 8a of the Narcotics Act has allowed time-limited scientific pilot trials for the regulated supply of cannabis to adult consumers. Goal: empirically test how a regulated market affects the black market, consumption behaviour, youth protection and health. Trials typically run for 3.5–5 years, are authorised by the FOPH and scientifically supervised by Swiss universities.

Basel — Weed Care (University of Basel)

Switzerland's first project launched on 30 January 2023. Sale via nine pharmacies to adult consumers with Basel residency. Around 370 participants, six strains (three THC-dominant, three with CBD), pricing at CHF 8–12/g. Scientific lead: University Psychiatric Clinics Basel.

Zurich — Züri Can (City of Zurich)

Switzerland's largest project with a planned enrolment of up to 2,100 participants. Sales through pharmacies, social clubs and the DIZ drop-in. Eligibility: 18+, Zurich residency, current consumer. Prices around CHF 8–13/g. Launched Aug 2023, runs through at least 2026.

Bern — SCRIPT

Combines pharmacy and association-based distribution, coordinated by the University of Bern. Focus: comparing pharmacy vs. cannabis social club as distribution formats. Prices comparable to Zurich and Basel.

Lausanne — Cann-L

First French-speaking Swiss project, organised entirely as a social-club model. Scientific lead: Unisanté / CHUV. Rolled out from 2024, multi-year study.

Geneva & Lucerne — the next wave

Geneva began preparations in 2024, coordinated with Geneva University Hospitals. Lucerne is developing a rural-region-focused concept — projected launch 2025/26.

Eligibility criteria compared

What does a gram cost?

Currently between CHF 8 and CHF 13/g depending on strain and THC content — below pharmacy medical cannabis (CHF 10–15/g), above the black market (~CHF 10/g), and well above future association pricing (CHF 3–5/g planned).

What if you're not eligible?

Waitlists are long, quotas are capped, and outside the pilot cantons there is no regulated access. If you're not eligible or live in a non-pilot canton, there are two legal paths:

  1. Medical: video consultation, prescription, pharmacy (full guide).
  2. Association model: CannabisClub membership — collective bargaining, Swiss CBD flower from CHF 1.00/g, and once law permits: THC at a planned CHF 3–5/g instead of pharmacy CHF 10–15/g.

Not eligible? Get legal access via the association model.Cannabis social club framework, adapted to Swiss law. Sign up with early-access code EARLYACCESS.
Become a member →

What happens after the pilot ends?

The first studies conclude between 2026 and 2028. Their scientific output feeds directly into the debate around revising the Narcotics Act. We expect the association model to be established as a regular distribution channel within 3–5 years — at which point the gap between pilot pricing (CHF 8–13/g) and association pricing (CHF 3–5/g) will be clearly felt by consumers.

FAQ

How do I sign up? Directly on each project's website (Weed Care Basel, Züri Can, SCRIPT, Cann-L). Verification of age, residency and consumption required.

Can I join in multiple cities? No — only in your primary residence canton.

Is there a monthly cap? Yes — typically 10–20 g/month depending on the project.

What if I'm a tourist? No participation possible. The only legal option is CBD under 1% THC (buy CBD in Switzerland).

Frequently asked questions

Which cannabis pilot projects run in Switzerland?
Among others "Weed Care" in Basel, "Züri Can" in Zurich, SCRIPT in Bern, plus projects in Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne and Biel.
Who can take part?
Adults resident in the study region who already consume cannabis, are not pregnant and have no severe psychiatric condition.
What does cannabis cost in the pilot projects?
Prices track the illicit market to keep the study realistic — usually CHF 8–15 per gram.
How long do the projects run?
FOPH authorisations last a maximum of five years; the first studies have been delivering interim results since 2025.
What happens once the studies end?
Results feed into the Cannabis Products Act debate and are meant to provide the basis for a regulated market.