Exceptional licences and licences for banned narcotics

The FOPH may grant exceptional licences for the handling of prohibited narcotics, licences in connection with diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment and licences for pilot trials with cannabis.

Banned narcotics such as diacetylmorphine, LSD or cannabis for non-medicinal purposes (cannabis on list d of the Narcotics Lists Ordinance (NarcLO-FDHA)) may not be cultivated, imported, produced or placed on the market as a matter of principle (cf. Article 8, paragraph 1 NarcA). The FOPH may, however, issue exceptional licences permitting these substances to be handled for specific purposes:

  • Exceptional licences for the cultivation, import, production or placing on the market of banned narcotics for purposes of scientific research, the development of medicinal products or restricted medical use (Article 8, paragraph 5 NarcA) or for the purpose of control measures (Article 8 paragraph 8 NarcA).
  • Licences in conjunction with diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment (Article 3e, paragraph 3 NarcA).
  • Licences for pilot trials for the dispensing of cannabis for non-medicinal purposes (Article 8NarcA)

Exceptional licences for banned narcotics

The FOPH can issue exceptional licences for the cultivation, import, manufacture or placing on the market of banned narcotics.

Licences for diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment

Diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment is governed specifically by the Narcotics Act (NarcA; RS 812.121) and is subject to a federal licensing system.

Authorisation of pilot trials under Art. 8a NarcA

The FOPH can grant authorisations for scientific pilot trials involving the controlled dispensing of non-medicinal cannabis that are limited in time, place and scope, provided new insights into cannabis use can be gained.

Last modification 31.03.2023

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