Legal context in Switzerland

Contexte légal en Suisse

In Switzerland, cannabis products with a THC content of less than 1% are not subject to the drug law and are increasingly marketed. Cannabis and cannabis products with a THC content of 1% or more are prohibited according to the Ordinance on the List of Narcotics (BetmVV-EDI). However, there are many low-THC cannabis products that are not subject to the Narcotics Law because their THC content is less than 1%. These include not only raw materials such as hemp flowers or powder, but also processed products such as extracts in the form of oil or paste, capsules sold in bulk, as well as ready-to-use products such as dietary supplements, e-cigarette liquids, tobacco substitutes, scented oils, chewing gums and ointments, some of which are offered as care products.

The production and sale of low-THC cannabis products has recently increased considerably, which leads to various health and legal issues. Although these products do not fall under the drug law, they cannot be distributed and promoted freely. Depending on the category of the product, the drug law, the food law or the federal law on product safety apply to their use. In order to raise awareness of the legal framework, Swissmedic, the Federal Health Service, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Service and the Federal Agriculture Service have drawn up an information sheet for this purpose.