Züri Can — Zurich's Cannabis Pilot Project
Züri Can is the largest Swiss cannabis pilot project: 2,100 participants, distribution via Social Clubs, pharmacies, and drugstores, scientifically monitored by the University of Zurich.
TL;DR: Züri Can: Launched September 2023, run by the City of Zurich with the ZHAW and the University of Zurich. 2,100 adult participants residing in Zurich, who are already cannabis users. Distribution via 3 channels: Social Clubs, selected pharmacies, and drugstores. Prices ~10 CHF/g. Monthly limit 25 g. Initial results: -40% price vs. black market with controlled quality, no increase in consumption, and a significant shift away from street trade.
Project Facts
Start: September 2023. End: planned for 2028 (extension possible until 2031). Sponsoring body: City of Zurich (Addiction Prevention Office), scientifically monitored by the University of Zurich and the ZHAW. Approval: FOPH, under Art. 8a of the Narcotics Act (BetmG).
Size: 2,100 approved participants — making it the largest cannabis pilot project in Europe outside of Germany. Budget: around 3.5 million CHF for the duration of the study.
Conditions of Participation
Requirements: at least 18 years old, resident in the City of Zurich for at least 6 months, already at least an occasional cannabis user (no first-time users), consent to study participation (regular surveys, medical assessment).
Excluded: persons under 18, pregnant/breastfeeding women, persons with documented psychosis diagnoses, safety-relevant professional groups (pilots, train drivers).
Registration: no longer open — the 2,100 places were allocated in 2023, waiting list open for fluctuations.
The Three Distribution Channels
1) Social Clubs: several private associations (including HAZ) with a limited membership. Focus: community, advice, on-site distribution.
2) Selected pharmacies: classic pharmaceutical setting, advice, blister packaging, medical-style distribution.
3) Drugstore accounts: Drogerie Ostermundigen, Drogerie zur Grossbank, among others — low-threshold, purchase history tracked for study evaluation.
Products, Prices, Quantities
Assortment: 5–8 different dried flowers (Sativa, Indica, Hybrid, various THC levels 8–22%), plus hashish. All products from approved Swiss organic producers (Pure Production, Cannerald, and others) with a full laboratory certificate per batch.
Prices: ~10 CHF/g for standard flowers, 12–15 CHF/g for premium. Deliberately aligned with black market levels — 2025 interim analysis result: effectively -40% compared to Zurich street trade for controlled quality.
Maximum: 25 g per person per month.
Initial Results (2025 Interim Report)
No statistically significant increase in consumption among participants. Significant shift: 82% of participants state they cover their cannabis needs "largely" or "completely" through the project.
Reduction in contact with synthetic cannabinoids (HHC, Spice) by ~90%. Reports of improved self-awareness of consumption patterns, fewer impulse purchases.
No significant increase in cannabis-related emergencies or treatments. The University of Zurich is expected to publish full peer-reviewed studies in 2027.
FAQ
Can I still register for Züri Can?
The 2,100 places were allocated in 2023. A waiting list is available for fluctuations — inquiries can be made via the Addiction Prevention Office of the City of Zurich.
How much does a gram of cannabis cost at Züri Can?
~10 CHF/g standard, 12–15 CHF/g premium. Deliberately aligned with black market prices.
How much can I purchase per month?
A maximum of 25 g per person per month, distributable across the three distribution channels.
Who runs Züri Can?
The City of Zurich (Addiction Prevention Office) in collaboration with the University of Zurich and the ZHAW, under FOPH approval.
Will my participation remain confidential?
Yes, absolutely confidential. Data is anonymised and evaluated scientifically.