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).

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.

Cannabis Fines Catalog Switzerland 2026 — All Penalties Overview