Doctors prescribing cannabis in Switzerland

Not every GP writes a narcotics prescription. Here is an overview of specialised doctors, pain centres and palliative practices by canton and indication.

In principle, any licensed doctor in Switzerland can prescribe cannabis.

In practice: pain specialists, neurologists, oncologists, palliative care.

First consultation: 30–60 min, 150–350 CHF (usually basic insurance).

Major centres: USZ, Inselspital, CHUV, HUG, EOC — with cannabis clinics.

Digital platforms (MediCann, Cannabis Consult): video consultation.

Who actually prescribes?

The law is open: any physician licensed in Switzerland may prescribe cannabis. In practice five specialties dominate: pain medicine, neurology (MS, epilepsy, neuropathies), oncology/palliative care, psychiatry (PTSD, sleep) and rheumatology (fibromyalgia).

GPs prescribe increasingly, often after specialist indication. A second opinion or consilium noticeably speeds up insurance coverage.

Major cannabis clinics

Public hospitals with documented cannabis programmes: pain centre USZ Zurich, Inselspital Bern, CHUV Lausanne, HUG Geneva and EOC Bellinzona for Ticino.

First-appointment waiting time: 6–14 weeks. Specialised private practices (Cannabis Consult Zurich/Basel, MediCann video) are usually available within 2 weeks.

What to bring to the first consultation

Structured preparation noticeably speeds up the prescription decision. Recommended:

  • Diagnosis with ICD-10 code, medical report if available
  • List of prior therapies with dose, duration, outcome
  • Current medication (interaction check)
  • Reports from rehab, physiotherapy, psychotherapy
  • Clear description of everyday impact and goals

Cost & insurance

First consultation (30–60 min) costs 150–350 CHF and is covered by basic insurance on referral (deductible, co-payment remain). Video consultations have been billable since 2024.

The medicine is covered after prior authorisation. Details: see 'Cannabis health insurance Switzerland' spoke.

Can my GP prescribe cannabis?

Yes — any licensed doctor may. If they refuse, you can request referral to a pain centre or cannabis clinic.

Are video consultations available?

Yes — MediCann and Cannabis Consult offer video consultations with prescription sent to the pharmacy. The first visit is usually in-person; follow-ups can be online.

How do I find a cannabis doctor in my canton?

Use the CannabisClub Doctor-Finder or ask your cantonal medical officer.

Can I get the prescription in a digital consultation?

Yes, provided you were sufficiently assessed. Narcotics prescriptions can be electronically signed and sent by post or eHealth.

The Cannabis Club does not recommend doctors and does not issue prescriptions. The clinics and practices listed are publicly documented.