Cannabis: pharmacy sale reduces risks, study (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Selling cannabis in pharmacies in Bern, Biel and Lucerne reduces the risks.
• The pilot project is ongoing from 2024 and extended until October 2028.
• Prices are slightly higher than on the black market.

Key facts

• What: Sale of cannabis in pharmacies.
• When: From 2024, extended until October 2028.
• Where: Bern, Biel and Lucerne.
• Who: University of Bern and Lucerne.
• Amount: Prices slightly higher than the black market.

The sale of cannabis in pharmacies in Bern, Biel and Lucerne is proving to favour less risky consumption. This is what emerges from an interim scientific evaluation of a pilot project, presented today in Bern by the three cities involved. The study called "Script" of the Universities of Bern and Lucerne involves 1,177 people. In the nine pharmacies involved, specialist staff inform customers about harm-reducing modes of consumption, such as vaping or oral intake instead of smoking. 71% of respondents passed these tips on to people in their entourage.

Pricing and Consulting

The prices are slightly higher than those on the black market, which helps, among other things, to finance the consultancy activity. While older people accept prices, young people between the ages of 18 and 25 react more sensitively. The management of the study sees this as an effective tool for the protection of minors.

Results

Operational details

Practical Implications

The sale of cannabis in pharmacies could have significant public health implications. Specialized advice offered in pharmacies could reduce the risks associated with cannabis use, such as breathing problems related to smoking. In addition, slightly higher prices on the black market could help fund further advisory and prevention activities.

Comparison with the Black Market

The black market is often associated with lower quality products and riskier consumption practices. Regulated pharmacy sales could offer a safer and more controlled alternative. This could also reduce the number of consumers turning to the black market, improving the overall quality of cannabis consumption.

Future of Regulation

The positive results of the pilot project could influence future legislation. If regulated sale in pharmacies proves effective in reducing risks, there may be greater support for a federal law regulating access to cannabis. This could lead to greater safety and quality in cannabis consumption across Switzerland.

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Key points

Action: What To Do

If you are interested in learning more about the regulated sale of cannabis in Switzerland, you can consult the results of the "Script" study by the Universities of Bern and Lucerne. In addition, you can visit the pharmacies involved in the pilot project for detailed information and specialist advice.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Get informed: Read the results of the "Script" study to understand the benefits of regulated cannabis sales. 2. Consult a Pharmacy: Visit one of the pharmacies involved in the pilot project for specialist advice. 3. Follow the Tips: Apply the advice received to reduce the risks associated with cannabis use.

Useful Tools

For more information and useful tools, you can visit our calcolatore stipendio and our comparatore CHF/EUR. These tools will help you better understand the financial and practical implications of regulated cannabis sales in Switzerland.

Source: swissinfo.ch