Zurich’s pioneering “Züri Can” cannabis pilot project is reporting encouraging early results, leading city officials to apply for a two-year extension until 2028. This development arrives as Switzerland’s Federal Government is actively considering a draft law that could usher in nationwide adult-use cannabis legalization, potentially positioning the country as a European leader in regulated markets.
“Züri Can” Pilot Extends Its Reach
The “Züri Can: Cannabis with Responsibility” initiative, launched in 2023, has enrolled over 2,300 participants who have legally purchased approximately 750 kilograms of cannabis through more than 88,000 regulated transactions. City officials have formally requested an extension until 2028, citing significant success in diverting sales from the illicit market and promoting safer consumption practices. The proposed extension requires approval from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and an additional CHF 800,000 in funding.
These positive outcomes have prompted city authorities to seek an additional two years for the pilot, which was originally slated to conclude in 2026. The extension aims to collect more extensive data on public health, consumer behavior, and the impact on the black market, reinforcing the project’s role as a crucial evidence base for future policy.
Prioritizing Public Health and Harm Reduction
One of the key achievements highlighted by “Züri Can” is its focus on public health and harm reduction. Participants have expressed high satisfaction with the quality of products and the availability of personalized advice from trained staff at licensed outlets, which include pharmacies and social clubs. This approach aims to provide a safer alternative to the unregulated black market, which often carries risks associated with unknown THC content, contaminants, and synthetic additives.
While early reports indicate high participant satisfaction and a measurable shift away from illegal sources—with an estimated CHF 7.5 million withdrawn from the black market—researchers emphasize that comprehensive long-term health and behavioral findings will require continued study. The project’s design, overseen by the Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich, integrates harm reduction principles, offering support and guidance to consumers.
Paving the Way for Federal Legalization
The “Züri Can” pilot is part of Switzerland’s broader strategy to gather evidence for potential nationwide cannabis regulation. The data collected from this and other authorized trials are directly informing the federal draft Cannabis Products Act (CanPG). This proposed legislation, currently under government consideration, could enable nationwide legalization as early as 2026, creating a regulated, non-profit, adult-use market.
Key principles of the draft law, such as capped THC levels, age restrictions, an advertising ban, and mandatory harm-reduction messaging, align with the experiences and findings from the pilot projects. A parliamentary health commission recently voted in favor of this draft bill, signaling a significant step towards legalization. The Swiss approach is characterized by an iterative, evidence-led strategy, allowing pilot data to shape ongoing policy development.
A Growing European Trend
Switzerland’s moves are occurring within a larger European context of evolving cannabis policies. Germany made headlines by legalizing recreational cannabis in April 2024, becoming the continent’s largest legal market. Malta was the first EU country to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2021, followed by Luxembourg’s legalization of home cultivation and planned dispensaries. Many other European nations are exploring decriminalization or pilot programs, reflecting a significant trending shift in cannabis policy across the continent.
The “Züri Can” project’s success and its direct influence on the impending federal legislation underscore Switzerland’s commitment to a data-driven, public-health-focused approach to cannabis reform. The ongoing news and events surrounding these developments suggest that Switzerland is poised to establish a model for regulated cannabis markets in Europe.
