Züri Can — Zurich's Cannabis Pilot Project
Züri Can is Switzerland's largest cannabis pilot: 2,100 participants, sales via social clubs, pharmacies and drugstore accounts, scientifically supervised by the University of Zurich.
Züri Can: launched September 2023, run by the City of Zurich with ZHAW and UZH. 2,100 adult Zurich residents, existing consumers. Three sales channels. Prices ~CHF 10/g. Monthly cap 25 g. First results: -40% vs black market at controlled quality, no increase in consumption.
Project facts
Launch: Sept. 2023. End planned: 2028 (extension possible until 2031). Operator: City of Zurich, scientific supervision UZH/ZHAW. FOPH approval under Art. 8a NarcA.
Size: 2,100 participants — the largest cannabis project in Europe outside Germany. Budget ~CHF 3.5m.
Participation requirements
18+, Zurich residency for 6+ months, existing consumer, consent to study participation. Excluded: minors, pregnancy, psychiatric diagnoses, safety-critical jobs.
Registration: 2,100 slots filled in 2023, waiting list possible.
The three sales channels
1) Social clubs (HAZ and others): community, counselling, on-site distribution.
2) Selected pharmacies: pharmaceutical counselling.
Products, prices, quantities
Range: 5–8 flowers, hashish, THC 8–22%. Licensed Swiss organic producers.
Prices: ~CHF 10/g standard, CHF 12–15/g premium. Max 25 g/month.
FAQ
Can I still register?
The 2,100 slots were assigned in 2023. Waiting list possible via the City of Zurich.
Price per gram?
~CHF 10/g standard, CHF 12–15/g premium.
Monthly cap?
Maximum 25 g/month.
Who runs Züri Can?
City of Zurich + UZH + ZHAW, FOPH approval.
Confidential?
Yes, data anonymised.