Switzerland its planning to continue with its “Züri-Can — Cannabis with Responsibility” pilot study for another couple of years.
This week, Zurich city officials applied to extend the project until 2028. Their incentive for doing so is a reduction in illicit sales and enhanced rate of safe consumption resulting from the initiative. The City Council currently views the programme as a success overall.
Approximately 7.5 million Swiss francs have been withdrawn from the black market as a result of the pilot, according to local officials. Over 2,300 participants are currently involved in the study. That number is set to increase to up to 3,000 during the extension phase. The federal government approved the larger number in July.
Prolonging Züri-Can will require an investment of about US$1 million or 800,000 CHF. The aim is to expand the data pool on the initiative’s long-term impact.
Since its launch in 2023, those involved have purchased approximately 750 kilograms of cannabis through 88,000 legal sales, the city revealed on Monday.
“With the ‘Züri Can’ pilot study, we are creating a safe, regulated and scientifically supported cannabis supply,” said Zurich city councillor Andreas Hauri. “An uncontrolled black market with contaminated products is not an option.”
Overseen by Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich, Züri Can is one of seven pilot programs taking place throughout the nation. Others of note include Cannabis Research Zurich, the nation’s largest with up to 7,500 participants; “Weed Care” in Basel; and the Lausanne Pilot.
Possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis is decriminalized nationwide. Medical marijuana has been legal in the country since 2022. Parliament rejected full legalization in 2024.
Read more: Spain takes historic step toward legalizing medical cannabis
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