The legal situation surrounding cannabis cultivation in Switzerland has changed a lot recently. While it used to be illegal, the cultivation of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes is now (as of 2023) legal under certain conditions. In this blog post, we explain the current legal situation regarding cannabis cultivation in Switzerland and whether legalization is possible in the future. If you’re interested in this topic, you’ve come to the right place.
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Current legal situation cannabis cultivation Switzerland
In Switzerland, the cultivation of cannabis is regulated by law and requires a permit for varieties with a THC content of more than one percent. The private cultivation of cannabis is permitted in Switzerland as long as the THC limit is not exceeded. The purchase of CBD seeds is legal in Switzerland. The legal situation surrounding the cultivation of cannabis can change quickly and it is advisable to keep up to date with the latest regulations.
Growing cannabis with THC
In Switzerland, the cultivation, consumption and purchase of cannabis varieties containing less than 1% THC is legal. If you want to grow hemp as a private individual in Switzerland, you are allowed to do so as long as your plants have a low THC content. If a hemp variety exceeds the 1% THC upper limit, it is defined as a narcotic. Therefore, growing, buying and consuming these strains is illegal and punishable by law. The THC content of your plant can be determined by the authorities using a rapid test. The cultivation of hemp plants with a high THC content requires a permit and is only permitted under certain conditions. The permit can be issued for scientific or medical purposes.
Cannabis legislation is set at both federal and cantonal level. It is important to find out about the specific regulations in your region before you start your grow.
Growing CBD-rich cannabis
As CBD does not get you high, it is not subject to the Narcotics Act in Switzerland. This means that growing CBD hemp is permitted in Switzerland as long as the THC content remains below the specified 1%. If the THC content is above 1%, a permit is also required here. CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive substance found in the hemp plant. You probably already know that CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. In Switzerland, CBD products must comply with legal requirements regarding purity and quality. CBD products that contain more than one percent THC are subject to prescription. Most CBD products are available in pharmacies and drugstores, but you can also find CBD products in retail stores.
Buy hemp seeds in Switzerland
In Switzerland, it is legal to buy hemp seeds as long as they are not used to grow THC-rich cannabis. So if you want to buy hemp seeds, you should make sure that they fall under legal use. You can either order hemp seeds online, buy them from a grower or in certain stores. Sending hemp seeds to your address is therefore legal.
Cannabis while driving
Even if the cultivation, purchase and consumption of cannabis with a THC content of less than one percent is legal, you should be careful when driving. In Switzerland, it is not permitted to drive if there is THC in your blood. This already applies to a low THC content. If you have THC in your blood, you are liable to prosecution and can expect a fine, imprisonment or withdrawal of your driving license.
Legalization of cannabis cultivation in Switzerland
A rapid legalization of cannabis in Switzerland is rather unlikely. Two-and-a-half-year cannabis pilot projects are currently running in several Swiss cities (as of the beginning of 2023). In Basel, for example, several hundred people can legally purchase cannabis for their own use in pharmacies. The aim is to gain insights into legal but controlled access to cannabis so that this can be incorporated into political decision-making.
Indoor cannabis cultivation Switzerland
If you would like to grow hemp indoors, then take a look at our Bonsanto grow boxes. With these, you can grow cannabis inconspicuously and easily within your own four walls. You are completely independent of the weather and temperature, as the Bonsanto components are perfectly matched to the indoor growing of your cannabis plant.
Click here for our grow boxes.
Cannabis cultivation Switzerland - Overview
- In Switzerland, there are clear regulations for the cultivation of THC-containing and CBD-rich hemp
- The consumption, purchase and cultivation of cannabis with a THC content of less than one percent is legal
- Cannabis with a THC content of over 1% is defined as a narcotic
- Hemp seeds can be legally purchased in Switzerland
- THC detectable in the blood while driving is punishable by law
- Pilot projects are underway in several cities to test possible legalization
- However, rapid legalization is unlikely
