Is Growing Medical Cannabis In Switzerland Legal? How To Obtain License

Learn the regulations and steps to get a license for growing medical hemp.

Are you curious about the process of growing medical cannabis in Switzerland? The cultivation of industrial hemp can be a complex and fascinating subject – from laws and regulations to best practices for quality and compliance, there’s much to uncover.

If you’re seeking guidance on growing medical cannabis in Switzerland, GrowerIQ’s cannabis production software could be the ideal solution. This tool facilitates data-driven decision-making, helping you meet your objectives and comply with evolving regulations.

Medical Cannabis Laws In Switzerland

Switzerland has been on the progressive side of cannabis laws with the recent lifting of the ban on cannabis for medical purposes. The Swiss Federal Council has made significant strides to ease access to medical cannabis for its citizens. The Therapeutic Products Act now covers the medical use of cannabis, treating it like any other medicine containing narcotics, such as morphine or oxycodone. This change allows doctors to prescribe cannabis medicines on a narcotics prescription without needing to obtain an exemption, making it easier for patients to access medical cannabis. 

Shift Toward Controlled Medical Use

The new laws also permit the export of cannabis for medical purposes, a significant shift from the previously limited options. This change means that the medical use of cannabis is now subject to the same control measures as other narcotics medicines aimed at preventing diversion to the illicit market and misuse as a recreational drug. 

Challenges Remain for Recreational Access

It’s essential to note that despite the positive changes in medical cannabis laws, the situation for non-medical cannabis in Switzerland remains the same. Cannabis not used for medical purposes requires an exemption from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) to be available, such as for pilot trials. The lifting of the ban on medical cannabis in Switzerland marks a vital step towards providing improved access to medical cannabis for those in need.

Is Growing Medical Cannabis In Switzerland Legal?

Cannabis for medical purposes can be cultivated as a regular crop. Responsibility for licensing and control is assigned to the Cannabis Agency, part of the Narcotics Division at Swissmedic. As the institution is responsible, they issue licenses for cannabis cultivation for medical purposes and carry out the relevant control tasks. This is to make diversions more difficult and guarantee adequate protection against theft. The agency also ensures that the use of the cultivated plants for other purposes and overproduction can be prevented. 

GrowerIQ’s Solution for Complex Regulations

Cannabis growers face challenges in managing reporting, documentation, and compliance requirements due to the complexity of regulatory frameworks, evolving legal standards, and the need for accurate record-keeping in a highly regulated industry. At GrowerIQ, our software aims to provide cannabis growers with a comprehensive solution for managing their cultivation operations, ensuring compliance, optimizing quality, enhancing efficiency throughout the seed-to-sale process, and overall uncomplicating the production process. 

GrowerIQ provides cannabis growers with a comprehensive solution for:

• Managing their cultivation operations
• Ensuring compliance
• Optimizing quality
• Enhancing efficiency throughout the seed-to-sale process

Related Reading

• Legalization of cannabis Switzerland
• Hemp Switzerland

How Do I Get a Licence To Grow Medical Cannabis?

In Switzerland, acquiring a license to grow medical cannabis involves a two-stage authorization procedure facilitated by Swissmedic. 

Stage 1: Applicant to register in the commercial register

The process begins with obtaining an establishment license, which requires the applicant to be registered in the commercial register. Measures must be in place to guarantee the proper storage of the controlled substance and appoint a person responsible for compliance with the NarcA. The applicant must demonstrate adequate protection against theft and misuse of the plants.

Stage 2: Applicant to obtain an individual cultivation license

Once the establishment license is secured, the applicant can proceed to the second step of obtaining an individual cultivation license. This part of the process necessitates the existence of a system that ensures the traceability and quality of the substances supplied. The applicant must also present a written purchase agreement with a purchaser possessing a corresponding establishment license and detailed information on the intended cultivation type.

Maintaining Transparency

Upon acquiring the individual cultivation license, the licensee must adhere to reporting obligations within 10 working days for each instance. This regulation ensures transparency and accountability in the cultivation process. By strictly following these requirements, cultivators can efficiently grow medical cannabis in Switzerland within the legal framework established by Swissmedic.

Is CBD Legal In Switzerland?

Switzerland is among the countries with a more relaxed attitude towards CBD products, particularly in comparison to other European nations. Products containing CBD that have less than 1% THC can be legally sold in the country. CBD oils and items with a THC concentration of 0.2% are subject to the Narcotics Act in various other European countries. In Switzerland, the THC limit is higher, which means more options for consumers. 

These products are not narcotics and can be readily found in supermarkets, kiosks, department stores, and specialty shops nationwide. Strict regulations govern the sale and distribution of CBD products despite their higher THC limit. For example, CBD products must comply with federal safety standards if classified as foodstuffs. It’s important that CBD items with more than 1% THC can only be bought with a medical prescription in Switzerland.

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• Cannabis legalization
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Cannabis Pilot Programs Making Waves Across Switzerland

Growing, importing, producing, and selling cannabis is prohibited in Switzerland. Despite this ban, consumption is widespread, the black market is thriving, and users’ safety is not guaranteed. Given this unsatisfactory situation, parliament decided to amend the Narcotics Act (NarcA) to create the possibility of testing the impact of new regulatory approaches on cannabis handling for a limited period of ten years. 

Scientific Research Permitted Under New Legislation

On 25 September 2020, Parliament passed an amendment to the Federal Act on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (NarcA). With its new Article 8a NarcA, the revised Act provides a legal basis for conducting scientific pilot trials with cannabis that are limited in time and place. 

Ten-Year Regulations Guide Non-Medical Cannabis Trial Applications

On 15 May 2021, an amendment to the Federal Narcotics Act came into force, allowing pilot trials involving the dispensing of Cannabis for non-medicinal purposes. The amended act will remain in effect for ten years. An ordinance on pilot trials by the Narcotics Act sets forth the requirements to be met for conducting the pilot trials and the details concerning the application procedure. The aim is to provide a sound scientific basis for possible decisions on the design of cannabis regulation.

Pilot Trial Protocols and Regulations

As part of these scientific studies, users will be able to legally purchase various cannabis-based products, the quality of which will be highly regulated. As well as receiving product information, participants will be made aware of the risks of cannabis consumption by staff at the points of sale, who will be trained accordingly. Resorts to the black market will thus be ruled out because the supply chains, from seed to product distribution, will be monitored and strictly controlled. The pilot trials are subject to strict requirements in terms of the protection of minors and health protection, as well as a total ban on advertising.

Current Approved Pilot Programs

Seven pilot projects have now been approved by Switzerland’s Federal Office for Public Health (FOPH), and most of them have taken off. While full legalization is not yet in place, data and responses from the pilot programs highlight significant demand and pave the way for a future where cannabis farming could become a lucrative industry in Switzerland. Farmers should stay informed and prepared for potential regulatory changes that could allow them to capitalize on this growing market.

Uncomplicate Your Cannabis Production Today With GrowerIQ!

Seed-to-Sale Tracking

Seed-to-sale tracking is an essential aspect of managing a cannabis cultivation operation. It involves monitoring every stage of the cultivation process, from planting seeds to harvesting the final product. This process is crucial for maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. GrowerIQ provides cannabis growers with a comprehensive seed-to-sale tracking solution to streamline the cultivation process and ensure compliance with legal standards. This technology is ideal for cultivators seeking an efficient method for monitoring their crops from start to finish.

Quality Management

Quality management is vital for cannabis growers to produce consistent, high-quality products. With GrowerIQ, cultivators can implement robust quality management strategies to optimize the cultivation process’s efficiency. This software allows cultivators to track various quality control parameters, including moisture levels, nutrient content, and the presence of pests or diseases. By leveraging these tools, growers can maintain high-quality standards and produce premium cannabis products.

Cultivation Planning

Cultivation planning involves strategic decision-making to enhance crop quality, optimize resource utilization, and increase efficiency. GrowerIQ offers cannabis growers a range of functionalities to support cultivation planning. Whether a small-scale grower or a large commercial operation, this software can help you plan your cultivation activities effectively. From scheduling planting times to managing resources efficiently, GrowerIQ is a must-have tool for cannabis cultivators looking to optimize their production process.

Compliance and Efficiency

Compliance and efficiency are critical considerations for any cannabis cultivation operation. GrowerIQ allows growers to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and optimize their cultivation processes. This software simplifies the reporting and documentation process, helping growers navigate the complexities of regulatory frameworks. With GrowerIQ, cultivators can enhance operational efficiency, reduce compliance-related risks, and maintain high-quality standards throughout cultivation.

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• Cannabis Pilot Program in Switzerland