Cannabis and Criminal Record — what's in it, how long
A cannabis offense doesn't automatically end in the criminal record. Fixed fines are invisible; only pronounced sentences are entered — and the extract type matters.
Fixed fine (100 CHF, <10 g): no entry. Penalty order/judgment: entry in VOSTRA. Private extract (standard for employers): minor offenses not shown. Authority extract: everything. Deletion 10–20 years depending on sentence type.
Fixed fine — the invisible case
Up to 10 g cannabis use: 100 CHF fixed fine. No proceedings, no VOSTRA entry.
Penalty order/judgment — VOSTRA entry
From penalty order (>10 g, trafficking, repeat): entry in Vostra (Federal Office of Justice).
Content: offense (NarcA Art. 19), sentence, date, authority.
Private extract vs authority extract
Private extract (17 CHF, from age 18): what you show your employer. Only custodial sentences, monetary from 180 day-fines, measures. Smaller sentences: not visible.
Authority extract (special): everything, including dismissals.
Deletion periods
Monetary sentences: 10 years after legal force.
Suspended custodial sentences: 15 years.
FAQ
Criminal record as cannabis user?
Fixed fine: no. Penalty order (>10 g): yes.
Does employer see the entry?
Only for custodial sentences or monetary from 180 day-fines.
How long does entry stay?
Monetary 10 years, suspended 15 years, unsuspended 20 years.
Cannabis Criminal Record Switzerland — Duration & Deletion 2026