Cannabis Pilot Projects Switzerland — 2026 overview
Since 2022 seven Swiss cities have run scientific trials of regulated cannabis sales. Who can join, at what price, first results — full overview.
TL;DR: Legal basis: Art. 8a NarcA (May 2021, limited until 2031). Seven projects: Züri Can (Zurich, 2,100), SCRIPT (Bern, ~1,000, pharmacies), Weed Care (Basel, ~370, pharmacies), Cann-L (Lausanne), Geneva, Lucerne, Winterthur. Access: adults, residents, existing consumers, medical screening. Prices at black-market level (~CHF 10/g), quality controlled.
Why pilot projects? The legal basis
Revised NarcA Art. 8a (in force since 15 May 2021) provides the basis for time-limited scientific trials. Goal: solid data for a possible regulated market.
All projects require FOPH approval, are scientifically supervised, and run for up to 5 years, extendable until 2031.
The 7 cities — status July 2026
Zurich (Züri Can): launched Sept. 2023, 2,100 participants, sales via clubs, pharmacies, drugstore accounts.
Bern (SCRIPT): launched Sept. 2023, ~1,000 participants, 14 pharmacies.
Basel (Weed Care): first project, Jan. 2023, ~370 participants, 9 pharmacies.
Lausanne (Cann-L): approved 2024, launch 2025, ~500 planned.
Geneva: approved 2025, launch Q3 2025, ~750.
Lucerne and Winterthur: in approval 2025, launch 2026.
Who can participate?
Requirements: 18+, residency in the city for 3–6 months, existing consumer, medical screening. Excluded: pregnant women, minors, safety-critical drivers, documented psychiatric diagnoses.
Prices, products, quantities
Prices at ~CHF 10/g to avoid dumping. Products: dried Swiss organic flower, hashish, some vapes/edibles. Monthly maximum 10 g (Basel) to 25 g (Zurich).
All from licensed Swiss producers with full cannabinoid and pesticide profile per batch.
First scientific findings
Weed Care (Basel) 2024: no increase in consumption, 78% of purchases pulled from black market, drastic reduction in synthetic contact.
Züri Can 2025: same patterns, -40% per-unit cost at controlled quality.
These data feed directly into the NarcA reform debate.
FAQ
What is a Swiss cannabis pilot project?
Scientific trial under Art. 8a NarcA allowing regulated THC sales to adults — limited until 2031.
Which cities?
Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lausanne, Geneva (2025), Lucerne, Winterthur (2026).
Can any adult join?
No. 18+, resident for 3–6 months, existing consumer, medical screening.
What does the cannabis cost?
~CHF 10/g for standard flower, deliberately at black-market level.
Is participation confidential?
Yes. Safety-critical jobs must be self-assessed.
When will results come?
Interim reports ongoing. Final evaluation: from 2028.