Pharmacist Lucas Meister takes marijuana bags from his safe during a two-year pilot for the legal sale of recreational cannabis in Basel, on March 7, 2023. Switzerland, which pioneered prescription heroin and safe injection sites decades ago, is now experimenting with decriminalising recreational cannabis, with the drug now available in some Basel pharmacies. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
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The cannabis experiment in one of the Swiss cantons is showing positive results three years after its launch, highlighting the need to reconsider the national cannabis policy.
The Swiss canton of Basel-Stadt published today the results of its cannabis experiment, launched in 2023, showing that “a health-oriented regulatory model can reduce risks for existing cannabis users without increasing consumption.”
In the past three years, participants in the study reported a reduction in problematic cannabis use, including decreased co-use of cannabis with tobacco, while the monthly purchase of cannabis products remained stable.
In terms of mental health, the cantonal health department reported that depressive, anxiety, and psychosis-like symptoms decreased, along with alcohol consumption and the use of other psychoactive substances. Study leader Marc Walter attributed these results to the “elimination of illegality and brief interactions in pharmacies, which contribute to destigmatizing consumption,” as well as to the availability of “safe, labeled products and lower-risk product forms” that facilitate controlled use.
In 2023, the number of participants was 378. Today, 265 people are still actively involved in the study, during which 113 kg of cannabis flower and hashish were sold, along with 21 deciliters of vape products, oil, and spray. The department reported that 75% of participants were satisfied with the product quality.
The study, which focused on a controlled experiment allowing participants to purchase legal cannabis products in pharmacies, is expected to conclude in January 2027. However, “the positive interim results after three years clearly demonstrate the need for legally enshrined cannabis regulation even after the scientific pilot studies have ended,” said Regine Steinauer, head of the addiction department within the canton’s health department, in a statement.
Basel-Stadt is not the only Swiss canton conducting an ongoing cannabis experiment. Pilot trials are taking place in all major Swiss cities, including Zurich, Lausanne, Biel, Bern, Vernier, and Lucerne.
This study aims to assess both the feasibility and the potential impact of a model that regulates cannabis consumption through non-profit sales. Findings from experiments across Switzerland are expected to inform the broader debate on what a responsible cannabis policy might look like.
Recreational cannabis is still illegal in Switzerland, but the European country has progressively eased restrictions on its use. It has decriminalized the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis for personal use, while large-scale possession and trafficking remain criminal offenses.
Since 2023, however, it has begun launching controlled experiments across the country to assess the impact of cannabis consumption on public health and the feasibility of legalizing cannabis through pilot projects involving the regulated sale of cannabis products.
In 2024, a group of Swiss citizens also launched a popular initiative to embed cannabis legalization into the constitution, allowing adult cultivation, possession, and licensed sales.
Meanwhile, Swiss lawmakers have introduced a bill to legalise recreational cannabis, aiming to curb the illegal market by 2025. Under the proposal, sales would operate under a state monopoly, with products available through licensed physical outlets and a single state-approved online platform. Revenue from the scheme would be directed towards harm-reduction programmes, addiction services, and subsidies to offset health insurance costs.
Elsewhere in Europe, the Netherlands has started rolling out experiments in several municipalities, but not Amsterdam, following Switzerland’s example, to assess the feasibility of legalising cannabis. Recreational use remains prohibited, although it has been decriminalised and is tolerated under the country’s tightly regulated coffeeshop system.
Germany is also preparing to launch similar pilot projects after legalising recreational cannabis for personal use in 2024, but no programs have yet been enrolled.
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