Cannabis Fines Catalog Switzerland — All Penalties 2026
Not every cannabis possession leads to charges. Switzerland distinguishes fixed fine (100 CHF), criminal charges (monetary or custodial sentence), and side effects (license, criminal record).
TL;DR: Up to 10 g personal use: 100 CHF fixed fine, no charges. Over 10 g to 30 g: criminal charges, usually monetary. Trafficking: prison up to 3 years (NarcA Art. 19). Driving >1.5 µg/L THC: 250–1,000 CHF + 3-month license revocation.
Fixed fine — the 100 CHF case
Since Oct 1, 2013: up to 10 g cannabis for personal use → 100 CHF fixed fine (NarcA Art. 28b, OBG). No criminal record, no file.
Requirements: adult, exclusive personal use, max 10 g, no recent repeat.
Cantonal practice 2024–2026
Vaud, Geneva: fine applied consistently, rarely escalated.
Zurich, Bern, Basel: fine as default, exceptions for repeat or sensitive locations.
Criminal charges — what follows
Over 10 g or trafficking suspicion: prosecutor. Penalty order or indictment.
Monetary sentence: typical 10–60 day-fines at 30–300 CHF.
Side effects — license & jobs
Cannabis while driving >1.5 µg/L THC: driving inability presumed. First violation: 3 months revocation + 250 CHF + 800 CHF costs.
Repeat (within 10 years): 12 months revocation, psychological assessment.
FAQ
What does 1 joint cost in Switzerland?
On check: 100 CHF fixed fine (if total <10 g). No criminal record.
Criminal record for cannabis?
Only if charged (>10 g or trafficking). Fixed fine: no.
Same treatment in all cantons?
Legally yes, in practice sometimes different on repeats.