Cannabis Conference
CannaTrade Zurich 2026
International Hemp Fair + Festival · May 29-31, 2026
Exploring opportunities in Switzerland’s progressive cannabis market?
Switzerland’s longest-running cannabis trade fair returns for its landmark 25th anniversary. CannaTrade Zurich 2026 brings together cultivators, CBD manufacturers, medical cannabis producers, and hemp industry professionals at Halle 622 from May 29-31, 2026. As Switzerland advances its groundbreaking recreational pilot programs and deliberates the draft Cannabis Products Act, this year’s event offers unparalleled access to Europe’s most progressive cannabis market.
With over 7,000 participants enrolled in recreational pilot programs and the Zurich trial alone withdrawing an estimated CHF 7.5 million from the black market, Switzerland is proving that regulated cannabis can work. The February 2025 adoption of the draft Cannabis Products Act (CanPG) moves the country closer to becoming Europe’s first with nationwide regulated adult-use cannabis.
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Switzerland’s 1% THC threshold creates CBD market opportunities unavailable anywhere else in Europe.
Whether you’re seeking Swiss market entry for CBD products, exploring medical cannabis partnerships, or positioning for federal legalization, CannaTrade brings together the decision-makers shaping the future of Swiss cannabis under one roof. The enhanced Medical Cannabis Pavilion now hosts Astrasana, Aurora, Cannabis Medicinalis, Evidena, MedCan, SGCM, Stauffacher, and Swiss Bio Pharma.
CannaTrade Zurich 2026 at a Glance 🇨🇭
Dates
May 29-31, 2026
Location
Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Expected Attendance
10,000+ visitors from 20+ countries
Official Website
cannatrade.ch
Confirmed
Last verified: December 25, 2025
Zurich
47.37°N 8.54°E
Who Should Attend CannaTrade Zurich
CannaTrade attracts a diverse audience of cannabis industry professionals from across Europe and beyond. Here are six key personas who will benefit most from attending:
CBD manufacturers exploring Switzerland’s unique 1% THC threshold
Medical cannabis cultivators pursuing EU-GMP certification
Hemp industry suppliers connecting with Swiss buyers
Pharma companies and patient associations in medical cannabis
Investors evaluating Swiss market opportunities
Seed breeders and genetics companies seeking visibility
Why CannaTrade 2026 Matters Now
Switzerland’s recreational cannabis pilot programs have delivered remarkable results. By mid-2024, over 7,000 participants had enrolled across seven authorized trials. The Zurich program (Zuri Can) alone processed approximately 88,000 legal transactions and sold roughly 750 kg of cannabis, with more than 90% of participants now purchasing exclusively from legal sources.
In February 2025, the National Council committee adopted the draft Cannabis Products Act (CanPG) by a 14-9 vote, moving Switzerland closer to becoming Europe’s first country with nationwide regulated adult-use cannabis. Parliamentary deliberations are expected in 2026, with potential implementation in 2027-2028.
The Zurich pilot program withdrew an estimated CHF 7.5 million from the black market, with 90%+ of participants purchasing exclusively from legal sources.
Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), 2024Planning Your CannaTrade Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
🏨 Accommodation
- Book early – the 25th anniversary edition will draw larger crowds
- Stay in Zurich’s central districts (Kreis 1-5) for easy access
- Hotels near main train station offer best transit connections
- Consider Airbnb options in the Langstrasse area
📋 Schedule Overview
- Friday May 29: B2B Only, 1 PM – 7 PM + Business Party
- Saturday May 30: B2B + Public, 11 AM – 8 PM + Afterparty
- Sunday May 31: B2B + Public, 11 AM – 5 PM
- Friday B2B-only access offers best networking environment
✈️ Getting There
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) – 10 min S-Bahn to Hauptbahnhof
- Tram or bus from city center to Halle 622 area
- Schengen visa applies; Swiss Franc (CHF) is local currency
- Download SBB app for Swiss public transit
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Register early – prime booth locations fill quickly for anniversary
- Prepare multilingual materials (German, French, English)
- CB Lounge offers dedicated B2B networking space
- Schedule key meetings during quieter B2B Friday
Swiss Cannabis Regulatory Context
Key Regulatory Topics at CannaTrade
- 1% THC Threshold: Switzerland’s unique CBD market allows products with up to 1% THC – five times higher than the EU standard of 0.2%
- Pilot Program Framework: Seven recreational trials operational with expanding participant caps and positive outcomes
- Swissmedic Licensing: Establishment license plus individual cultivation license required for medical cannabis growers
- Draft Cannabis Products Act (CanPG): Proposed legislation for legal adult-use with non-profit distribution model
Products below 1% THC in Switzerland are regulated as tobacco substitutes, food items, or cosmetics rather than controlled substances. This creates a legal framework for CBD flower, oils, and edibles unavailable elsewhere in Europe. However, operators must understand that products legal in Switzerland may exceed THC limits in neighboring EU countries.
Related: Understanding Switzerland’s CBD Market RegulationsOperational Challenges Facing Swiss Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses entering the Swiss market encounter unique operational complexities. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Cross-Border THC Compliance
Managing product formulations that meet Swiss 1% THC limits while remaining compliant with stricter EU 0.2% thresholds for export markets
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Novel Foods Regulations
Navigating CBD edible requirements that differ between Swiss domestic market and EU Novel Foods framework
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Medical Cannabis Licensing
Understanding Swissmedic establishment licenses, GACP cultivation standards, and EU-GMP requirements for export
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Pilot Program Participation
Connecting with pharmacies and social clubs participating in recreational trials as authorized distributors
What to Prepare Before CannaTrade
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
📄 Documents to Bring
- GMP/GACP certificates for medical cannabis discussions
- ISO-accredited lab certificates of analysis
- CBD product samples meeting Swiss 1% THC threshold
- Business registration and establishment licenses
- Export documentation for cross-border partnerships
- Product specifications and formulation sheets
❓ Questions to Ask Vendors
- What THC threshold applies to my product category in Switzerland?
- Does my facility meet Swissmedic establishment license requirements?
- Which pilot programs accept products from international suppliers?
- What are Novel Foods requirements for CBD edibles in Switzerland?
- What is the pathway to EU-GMP certification through Swissmedic?
- How does the proposed CanPG affect existing CBD product categories?
📊 What to Compare
- Swiss CBD distributors and their retail networks
- Medical Cannabis Pavilion exhibitor capabilities
- Pilot program pharmacy and social club partners
- Swiss banking and financial service options
- Logistics and customs specialists for cross-border
- Testing laboratory accreditations and turnaround times
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend CannaTrade Zurich 2026.
Is CannaTrade B2B only?
No. Friday is B2B only (1 PM – 7 PM), but Saturday and Sunday are open to both trade visitors and the general public. The CB Lounge provides dedicated B2B networking space throughout the event.
Can international visitors attend?
Yes. CannaTrade welcomes visitors from around the world, with 20+ countries typically represented among exhibitors and attendees. English is widely spoken alongside German and French.
Is cannabis consumption allowed at the festival?
CannaTrade features designated smoking zones and is part of the Buds and Beats Festival experience. However, only CBD products (below 1% THC) may be legally consumed. THC cannabis remains illegal in Switzerland outside pilot programs.
What is the CannaSwissCup?
The CannaSwissCup is CannaTrade’s signature competition recognizing the best CBD flower. It provides visibility for genetics companies and cultivators producing premium Swiss CBD.
Are there English-language sessions?
While German is the primary language, many presentations and exhibitor discussions occur in English given the international audience. Exhibitor materials frequently include English versions.
How do I exhibit at CannaTrade 2026?
Contact the organizers through cannatrade.ch to request exhibitor information. Given the 25th anniversary, expect higher demand for booth space than typical years.
Software Solutions for Swiss Compliance
Cannabis operations entering Swiss markets increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of managing THC threshold documentation, multi-jurisdiction compliance reporting, and EU-GMP audit preparation. These systems help operators maintain complete traceability across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities.
Attendees at CannaTrade often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to Switzerland’s unique regulatory requirements while supporting cross-border operations with EU markets.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Europe use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability and regulatory reporting.
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.