When will cannabis be legal in Switzerland?
A bill on regulated cannabis distribution will be debated in Parliament from 2026/2027; a popular vote is likely. A regulated market is not expected before 2028–2029. Until then, legal access runs through the pilot projects in Zurich, Basel, Bern and Lausanne and via CBD < 1 % THC.
Key facts
- New cannabis law earliest 2028–2029 nationwide
- CBD < 1 % THC already freely available
- THC cannabis legal only inside pilot projects
- Personal use ≤ 10 g: 100 CHF fine
- Consultation 2024/25 → Parliament from 2026 → possible popular vote
Detailed answer
Cannabis containing more than 1 % THC remains prohibited under the Narcotics Act (BetmG). In 2023 the sub-commission of the SGK-N published a preliminary bill on a regulated adult market. The consultation ran through 2024/2025; results are being processed in Parliament from 2026. Realistically, a nationwide legal supply cannot start before 2028 — more likely 2029/2030 — provided Parliament and, in case of a referendum, the electorate agree. Two legal channels exist today: (1) CBD cannabis with less than 1 % THC is freely available, and (2) THC cannabis is distributed in the authorised scientific pilot projects (Züri Can, Weed Care Basel, SCRIPT Bern, Cann-L Lausanne). Personal use up to 10 g is punished with a 100 CHF fixed penalty instead of criminal prosecution.