Switzerland is on the verge of fully regulating adult-use cannabis following a landmark vote by the National Council’s Social Security and Health Committee (SGK-N) on February 14, 2025. The committee approved a draft federal law by a vote of 14-9 (with 2 abstentions), paving the way for the legal cultivation, sale, possession and consumption of cannabis. If approved, the proposed legislation could be implemented as early as 2026 after undergoing public consultation this summer.
According to a press release from the Commission, the majority of the committee recognizes the social reality of cannabis use and believes that the current prohibitive approach is flawed. This decision comes after a promising year for homegrowers and the regulated cannabis industry in Europe, with Switzerland looking to expand access to the plant.
The new cannabis law builds on Switzerland’s existing adult-use cannabis pilot projects, which have been operating in cities like Basel, Zurich and Bern since 2023. These programs have provided valuable data on the impact of regulated cannabis access through controlled sales in dispensaries, pharmacies and social clubs.
The proposed law includes provisions for personal cultivation, allowing adults aged 18 and over to grow up to three female cannabis plants for personal use. Commercial sales would be profit-oriented, but retail sales would operate under a state-controlled license system (monopoly). Any potential profits from sales would be reinvested into prevention, harm reduction and addiction support programs.
The law also includes strict regulations for packaging and advertising, with cannabis products being sold in neutral packaging with health warnings and subject to a complete advertising ban. The entire supply chain would be digitally tracked to ensure compliance. Products will also be taxed based on THC content and consumption method, with revenues being redistributed through the health insurance system.
Switzerland’s cantons (similar to US states) will have significant control over local licensing and enforcement, and zero-tolerance policies for driving under the influence of cannabis will remain in place. Anyone caught with THC in their system will be considered unfit to drive.
Shai Ramsahai, president of European-based Royal Queen Seeds, the world’s largest cannabis seed bank, praised Switzerland’s model for balancing state control and personal autonomy with home cultivation and tax redistribution for harm reduction. “At Royal Queen Seeds, we support policies that empower individuals and create structured opportunities for businesses to contribute to a responsible and public health approach,” he said.
