Cannabis Legal Switzerland — full legal guide 2026
Switzerland has enforced the 1% THC threshold for years: anything below is legal, anything above falls under the Narcotics Act (NarcA). Add to that fixed fines, prescription medical cannabis and pilot projects in seven cities.
TL;DR: CBD products with less than 1% total THC are legal (buy, possess, consume from age 18). Recreational cannabis (>1%) is illegal — up to 10 g just a CHF 100 fixed fine with no record. Medical cannabis has been prescribable since August 2022. Seven cities run regulated pilot sales: Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lausanne, Geneva, Lucerne, Winterthur. A NarcA revision towards a regulated market will be debated from 2026.
The 1% THC threshold — core of the Swiss model
Switzerland has Europe's most liberal threshold with 1% total THC (EU: 0.2–0.3%). Legal basis: ordinance on the schedules of narcotics (BetmVV-EDI), annex 6.
In practice: CBD flower, oils, extracts, vapes and cosmetics can be produced, sold, bought, possessed and consumed legally — from age 18. Smoking CBD flower triggers tobacco tax (25%).
Recreational cannabis >1% THC — what actually happens
Cannabis above 1% THC is a narcotic under NarcA (Art. 19). Cultivation, trade, import/export are criminally punishable. For private consumption: fixed fine.
Up to 10 g during a check: CHF 100 fine, no record, no proceedings. Above 10 g or trafficking: criminal proceedings. Minors and drivers are excluded from the fixed-fine regime.
Medical cannabis — prescribable since 2022
Since 1 August 2022 Swiss doctors may prescribe medical cannabis without a special FOPH permit. Indications: chronic pain, MS spasticity, chemo nausea, HIV appetite loss, treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Available at pharmacies: flower, extracts, dronabinol, Sativex. Flower price: CHF 10–15/g. Basic insurance rarely covers.
Pilot projects — the regulated trial
Since 2021 (Art. 8a NarcA), time-limited scientific trials allow regulated sales to adults. Goal: data for reform.
Seven cities: Zurich (Züri Can), Bern (SCRIPT), Basel (Weed Care), Lausanne (Cann-L), Geneva, Lucerne, Winterthur. Sold through pharmacies, clubs or selected outlets at black-market prices with quality control.
FAQ
Is cannabis legal in Switzerland?
CBD (<1% THC) is legal. Recreational THC is illegal, but up to 10 g just a CHF 100 fine. Medical cannabis is legal on prescription.
How many grams can I possess?
0 g of recreational THC legally. Up to 10 g: CHF 100 fixed fine, no record. Above: criminal proceedings.
Why is CBD legal in Switzerland?
Because the Swiss 1% THC threshold is more liberal than the EU (0.2–0.3%). CBD flower with e.g. 0.8% THC isn't a narcotic under NarcA.
Can I grow cannabis in Switzerland?
CBD hemp <1% THC: yes, with cantonal notification/permit. THC: no, except for medical self-supply (Swissmedic permit, very rare).
When will Switzerland legalise?
2028 at earliest. Pilot projects running, Federal Council reviewing, parliamentary motion adopted.