Swiss cannabis pilot update — July 2026
Extensions, published findings and the road to the Cannabis Products Act — with primary sources.
TL;DR: Züri Can was extended in March 2026 by two years to October 2028 (city council funding, ethics committee and FOPH approval). Weed Care Basel published three-year results on 19 March 2026: less problematic use, non-smokable products at ~18 % of sales. Cann-L Lausanne reported over 1,750 enrolled adults in late April 2026, ~20 % market coverage and CHF 2 million taken from the black market.
Züri Can: extended to October 2028
The original FOPH authorisation allowed study cannabis purchases until October 2026. In March 2026 Zurich's city council funded a two-year extension, approved by the cantonal ethics committee and the FOPH — access now runs to October 2028.
Distribution runs through 20 authorised outlets (pharmacies, social clubs and the city's drug information centre DIZ), with room for up to 3,000 participants. In May 2026 the city reported that participants experience fewer health problems after leaving the illegal market.
Weed Care Basel: three-year results
Launched on 30 January 2023 with 378 participants, Weed Care sells cannabis through selected pharmacies with scientific oversight by the University of Basel. The 19 March 2026 results show reduced problematic use — especially joints with tobacco — and stable monthly purchase volumes.
One third of products sold contained under 13 % THC. Lower-risk non-smokable products introduced in autumn 2025 (oil, vapes, spray) made up around 18 % of sales between September 2025 and February 2026.
Cann-L Lausanne and Geneva
In late April 2026 Lausanne and Addiction Suisse published interim results: over 1,750 adults enrolled, roughly 20 % of estimated city consumption covered, CHF 2 million in revenue removed from the illegal market, and products on average less potent than black-market supply.
Geneva runs Cann-L Genève (HUG, City of Geneva) targeting around 1,200 participants until June 2027. Yverdon, Nyon, Vevey, Montreux and Morges belong to the Vaud perimeter.
Bern, Lucerne and other cantons
Bern continues SCRIPT until September 2028 with around 1,100 participants (Biel and Köniz included). Lucerne has filed an FOPH application with launch planned for the second half of 2026. Basel-Landschaft, Solothurn and Fribourg are preparing applications.
Elsewhere only CBD under 1 % THC and the medical prescription route are legal. Legal basis for pilots: Art. 8a NarcA (in force since 15 May 2021, limited to ten years) and the pilot ordinance BetmPV.
FAQ
Does Züri Can end in 2026?
No. The March 2026 decision extended it to October 2028.
Is Weed Care Basel finished?
The intervention phase ended and three-year results were published in March 2026; pharmacy dispensing continues in the observation phase.
Can I join without living in the perimeter?
No. Pilots are geographically limited and require residency inside the study perimeter.