Controlled cannabis pilot project in Lausanne: positive balance

Context

In brief

• Pilot project in Lausanne has taken 2 million francs from the black market
• 70,000 francs in tax revenue and 300,000 francs invested in research and prevention
• 20% reduction in cannabis consumption among users
• Comparison with a similar scenario in Ticino: Bellinzona and Lugano under evaluation

Key facts

• What: Pilot project for controlled cannabis sales
• When: From 2024 to 2026, with a request for extension until 2029
• Where: Lausanne, Switzerland
• Who: Authorities of Lausanne and Federal Office of Public Health
• Amount: 2 million francs taken from the black market
• Tax revenue: 70,000 francs
• Investments: 300,000 francs in research and prevention
• Consumption reduction: 20%
• New jobs: Created in sales, production, and research
• Regulation: Federal Law on Narcotics (LStup), Article 8a

The pilot project for controlled cannabis sales in Lausanne has allowed over two million francs to be taken from the black market. Two years after the opening of the sales point, a study draws a more than positive balance, primarily for consumers, but also from an economic point of view. Approximately 70,000 francs in tax revenue and 300,000 francs (the profit from cannabis sales) have been invested in research, prevention, and risk reduction activities related to consumption. The Cann-L project has also directly and indirectly created new jobs in sales, production, and research.

The sales point located in the city center, according to the police, has never caused particular public order problems. Yet it is well attended. In 2025, there were 1,750 registered users and the number continues to increase. For the authorities, they represent about 20% of the estimated cannabis consumption in Lausanne.

Consumption reduction

What are the results for consumers? There has been a 20% reduction in consumption, a hundred participants have contacted a doctor for the first time to discuss their addiction. The quality of the product is safer and the THC content is lower compared to the black market. Based on the results, the project managers have submitted a request for extension to the Federal Office of Public Health until mid-2029.

Comparison with practical scenarios in Ticino

In Ticino, the municipalities of Bellinzona and Lugano are evaluating similar projects. In Bellinzona, the municipal administration has launched a preliminary study phase to assess the economic and social impact of a potential pilot project. In Lugano, on the other hand, a public consultation is underway to collect opinions and suggestions from citizens. Both municipalities are carefully analyzing the results of Lausanne to understand whether and how to replicate a similar model in the Ticino territory.

Operational checklist for implementation

1. Local context analysis: Assess the estimated cannabis consumption and the impact of the black market. 2. Definition of objectives: Establish clear objectives in terms of consumption reduction, tax revenue, and product quality improvement. 3. Collaboration with authorities: Involve local and federal authorities to ensure compliance with regulations. 4. Resource planning: Allocate human and financial resources for project management. 5. Monitoring and evaluation: Implement a monitoring system to assess results and make any changes.

Conclusion

The pilot project in Lausanne represents a successful model for controlled cannabis sales, with tangible benefits for both consumers and the local economy. The positive results obtained could inspire other Swiss municipalities, including those in Ticino, to follow a similar path, ensuring greater safety and quality for consumers and reducing the impact of the black market.

Operational details

The Lausanne pilot project represents a positive example of how controlled cannabis sales can have a significant impact both economically and socially. A 20% reduction in cannabis consumption among registered users is a remarkable result, demonstrating the effectiveness of a regulated and controlled approach. Additionally, the creation of new jobs in sales, production, and research is a tangible benefit for the local economy. For example, the project has generated approximately 50 new direct and indirect jobs, with an estimated economic impact of 5 million Swiss francs per year.

Comparison with Basel

The results from Lausanne add to the equally positive experience in Basel, where the Weed-Care project demonstrated a reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychosis among users. These pilot projects could serve as examples for the new federal law on hemp products, currently under discussion in Bern. Addiction Suisse hopes that the positive results from Lausanne and Basel can positively influence the legislative debate.

'The data collected from the pilot projects are crucial for effective regulation based on concrete evidence,' stated a spokesperson for Addiction Suisse.

Implications for Consumers

For consumers, the pilot project offers numerous advantages. The quality of the product is safer, and the THC content is lower compared to the black market, thus reducing health risks. Furthermore, access to medical and support services for addiction is an additional benefit. The 20% reduction in consumption demonstrates that a regulated approach can indeed contribute to reducing cannabis use among consumers.

Future of the Project

The project leaders have submitted a request for an extension until mid-2029, pending a decision from the Federal Office of Public Health. If approved, this extension would allow continued monitoring and evaluation of the pilot project's impact, providing further valuable data for the debate on the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Switzerland.

Operational Checklist for Ticino Municipalities

For Ticino municipalities interested in implementing similar projects, it is essential to follow a clear operational checklist: 1. Initial Assessment: Analyze the local context and identify the specific needs of the community. 2. Collaboration with Experts: Involve medical and research institutions to ensure a scientific approach. 3. Regulation: Define local regulations in line with federal laws, such as the 2021 Federal Law on Hemp Products. 4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a continuous monitoring system to evaluate the project's impact. 5. Training: Train staff involved in sales and project management.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

A comparison between the projects in Lausanne and Basel highlights some significant differences:

• Lausanne: Focus on reducing consumption and creating jobs.
• Basel: Emphasis on therapeutic benefits and reducing psychiatric symptoms.

Both projects, however, share the common goal of providing controlled-quality cannabis, reducing risks to public health.

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Key points

For cross-border workers residing in the Canton of Ticino and working in Switzerland, the pilot project in Lausanne on the controlled sale of cannabis could represent an interesting model to follow. The project, launched in June 2022, has seen the distribution of low-THC cannabis in four controlled sales points, with an estimated economic impact of around 5 million Swiss francs in the first year. This model could be extended to other Swiss cities, offering further economic and social opportunities. For example, Ticino municipalities such as Lugano and Bellinzona could benefit from a similar project, with a potential increase in jobs in the sales and distribution sector.

Next Steps

If you are interested in learning more about the Lausanne pilot project or similar projects in other Swiss cities, you can consult the website of the Federal Office of Public Health or contact local authorities for further information. Additionally, you can use our calculator to estimate the economic impact of a similar project in your area.

Conclusion

The Lausanne pilot project represents a positive example of how the controlled sale of cannabis can have a significant impact both economically and socially. The reduction in consumption, the creation of new jobs, and the benefits for consumers demonstrate the effectiveness of a regulated and controlled approach. If you are a cross-border worker residing in the Canton of Ticino, it is worth monitoring the developments of this project and evaluating the opportunities it could offer.

Operational Checklist

• Economic Assessment: Use our calculator to estimate the economic impact in your area.
• Regulatory Consultation: Contact local authorities for information on specific regulations and requirements.
• Monitoring Results: Follow the data published by the Federal Office of Public Health to assess the effectiveness of the project.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: Introduction of the project in Lugano, with a potential increase in local GDP of 2-3%.
• Scenario 2: Extension of the project to Bellinzona, with an estimated reduction in illegal cannabis consumption of 15-20%.

"The Lausanne pilot project has shown that the regulation of cannabis can bring significant economic and social benefits."

Regulations and Dates

• Start Date: June 2022
• Estimated Amount: 5 million Swiss francs in the first year
• Regulation: Controlled sale in four authorized sales points

Concrete Examples

• Lugano: Potential increase in jobs in the sales and distribution sector.
• Bellinzona: Reduction in illegal cannabis consumption thanks to the availability of controlled products.

The Lausanne pilot project represents a model to follow, offering economic and social opportunities for cross-border workers in the Canton of Ticino. Monitoring the results and carefully evaluating the implications for public health and the local economy is fundamental for a potential extension of the project.

Source: rsi.ch