Medical cannabis market report Switzerland — Q1 2026

The quarterly report consolidates the latest official figures on medical cannabis in Switzerland. It draws on FOPH notification data (§8a NarcA), Swissmedic narcotics statistics and reimbursement data under art. 71a/b HIO. All values are normalised to the reporting period 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Mar 2026.

Market analysis Q1 2026

The Swiss medical cannabis market grew clearly at double-digit rates in Q1 2026. Demand is driven by chronic pain indications (~48 % of new prescriptions), followed by MS-related spasticity (~14 %), chemotherapy-induced nausea (~9 %) and refractory paediatric epilepsy (~6 %). About 12 % of prescriptions cover palliative care. The remaining ~11 % go to off-label uses (anxiety, Tourette, treatment-resistant depression), typically under art. 71a HIO case-by-case approval. On the supply side, Dutch Bedrocan genetics (Bedrocan®, Bediol®, Bedica®, Bedrolite®) remain dominant with ~38 % share, followed by magistral THC/CBD extracts from Swiss pharmacies (~34 %). Sativex® holds its niche in MS spasticity (~12 %), Epidyolex® grows to ~9 % as label expansions (Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut, tuberous sclerosis) roll out. Pure dronabinol keeps ~7 %, mainly in palliative and geriatric care. Flower prices are down ~6 % versus Q4 2025, driven by broader Swiss supply, a stronger euro import effect and the first meaningful competition from EU-GMP batches out of Portugal and Germany. Full-spectrum extracts stay largely flat at a median of CHF 105 per 10 ml (−3 %). Basic-insurance reimbursement under art. 71a/b HIO exceeds 30 % for the first time — a direct effect of the FOPH's 2025 revised recommendations on chronic pain and MS spasticity.

Methodology

Patient and physician figures come from anonymised §8a NarcA notification data held by the FOPH (as of 31 Mar 2026). Import kilograms are Swissmedic narcotics statistics. Reimbursement shares: analysis of art. 71a/b HIO case categories cross-checked with santésuisse reference data. Prices are median observations from 42 public pharmacies (14 German-speaking, 14 French-speaking, 14 Italian-speaking Switzerland). Canton normalisation uses the FSO end-2025 population data. All values are rounded; Δ QoQ = Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025.

This market report is intended for information of health professionals, journalists and interested patients. It does not replace medical advice. Figures are rounded and may change with later FOPH/Swissmedic data revisions.