SCRIPT — The Bernese Cannabis Pilot Project
SCRIPT is the cannabis pilot project of the City of Bern in collaboration with the University of Bern. Around 1,000 adult consumers purchase regulated cannabis through 14 pharmacies in Bern.
TL;DR: SCRIPT (Study on Cannabis Regulation in Bern): Launched September 2023, run by the University of Bern (Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine), the City of Bern, and BLS. ~1,000 participants, distribution via 14 pharmacies. Prices 9–13 CHF/g. Monthly limit 10 g. Focus: consumption patterns, health effects, substitution of black market cannabis.
Project Facts
Start: September 2023. Duration: 3.5 years (until 2027, extension possible). Sponsor: University of Bern (ISPM), City of Bern, Bern Louvain-la-Neuve-School (BLS). FOPH approval under Art. 8a BetmG.
Participants: around 1,000 people. Scientific focus: consumption patterns, health effects, substitution of the black market, impacts on socio-psychological markers (mood, work, relationships).
Conditions of Participation
18+, resident in the City of Bern for at least 3 months, already at least occasional cannabis consumption, medical pre-examination. Agreement to regular scientific surveys.
No longer open — the 1,000 places were allocated in 2023.
Process & Pharmacy Distribution
14 pharmacies in Bern are involved (including TopPharm Bahnhof, Amavita Bärenplatz, Apotheke Bubenberg, among others). Participants receive an ID card and purchase cannabis like a prescription drug — with pharmaceutical advice, blister packaging, and purchase history.
Assortment: 4 varieties of dried flowers (Sativa, Indica, Hybrid, CBD-rich), plus hash. All products from Swiss Producer AG and Cannerald with a full certificate of analysis.
Prices & Quantities
Prices: 9–13 CHF/g depending on the variety. Deliberately set at black market levels to enable substitution without creating a dumping incentive.
Monthly limit: 10 g per person. Significantly lower than Zurich (25 g) — Bern has kept the quantity tight to avoid excessive consumption patterns.
First Results
Interim report 2025 (University of Bern): no increase in average consumption, noticeable shift away from the Bernese black market (~70% of participants state they hardly use the black market anymore), greatly reduced exposure to synthetic cannabinoids (Spice, HHC).
Observed side effects: slight increase in preventive medical consultations (positive effect: more awareness), no increase in emergency treatments.
FAQ
Can I still participate in SCRIPT?
No, the 1,000 places were allocated in 2023. Waiting list possible via the ISPM of the University of Bern.
In which pharmacies is the cannabis distributed?
14 selected pharmacies in the City of Bern (including TopPharm Bahnhof, Amavita Bärenplatz, Apotheke Bubenberg).
How much does 1 g of cannabis cost at SCRIPT?
9–13 CHF/g depending on the variety. Deliberately set at black market levels.
How much am I allowed to purchase per month?
Maximum 10 g per person per month.
Who runs SCRIPT?
University of Bern (ISPM), City of Bern, BLS. Scientifically monitored with FOPH approval.