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.
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.
Cannabis Legal Switzerland 2026 — What's Allowed & What Isn't