Initial results of the pilot trials with cannabis
The FOPH regularly informs members of the public about ongoing pilot trials with cannabis. It has now commissioned a study to summarise the overall findings of the various trials.
The pilot trials examine the effects of various measures and models for the legal sale of cannabis on the health and consumption behaviour of the participants. They are scientifically monitored and can provide an important basis for decisions on future cannabis regulation. These research projects are independent and open-ended.
To date, the University of Lausanne and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, working on behalf of the FOPH, have conducted two studies on the overarching evaluations of the pilot trials. The final report records the preliminary results of the pilot trials from 2022 until Juli 2025.
Well accepted
People taking part in one of the seven pilot trials can purchase cannabis legally. The report from the University of Lausanne and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland shows that this has been well received by the approximately 10,500 participants. The prices of products from legal suppliers are perceived as rather high. However, consumers are willing to pay the extra cost in return for products of guaranteed quality. The majority of them obtain their cannabis exclusively through the pilot trials.
Many participants are sticking to their previous consumption habits. Despite easier access to cannabis, however, consumption is not increasing. There is a trend towards lower-risk consumption. This shows that targeted counselling can promote lower-risk products (vapes, edibles and products with low THC content). In the pilot trials, products with a higher THC content must also be sold at a higher price than those with a lower THC content. The results of the study show that the legal sale of cannabis does not have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of consumers.
Different sales models
The following sales models are currently being tested in the pilot trials: pharmacies, non-profit outlets (offerings supported by municipalities and NGOs), more commercially oriented outlets and so-called social clubs where consumers organise sales and consumption is also permitted in some cases. A distinction is also made between profit-oriented and non-profit models. The study shows that the pilot trials with non-profit models place a particular focus on prevention in their interaction with consumers. Profit-oriented models, on the other hand, tend to place the emphasis on the personal responsibility of study participants in terms of medical advice and prevention.
In-depth evaluation of the data
All pilot trials are still ongoing. A lot of data is already available. However, this data needs to be evaluated more thoroughly with regard to consumption behaviour and the distribution model. For this reason, the FOPH is preparing a further in-depth evaluation of the data. Additional findings from the pilot trials are therefore expected in the coming years.
Further information
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Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern