Switzerland Finalising Cannabis Club Pilot Programme for the Capital and Three Other Cities

Countries like the United States, Uruguay and Chile have become international leaders for the resolute struggles undertaken in them to regulate marijuana, in both the therapeutic and recreational spheres. Their users and patients now enjoy privileges that, although serving as examples, are still far out of reach for European residents. The Old Continent has seen years in which it not only did not progress, but actually regressed with regards to its cannabis policies. Today some examples help to fuel hopes that another world is possible for those who believe in the plant.

The latest is Switzerland, which is working on a pilot programme through which, according to the government’s plan, four social clubs will be opened in different cities: Bern (capital), Geneva, Zurich and Basel. According to the authorities the associations will be defined as regulated distribution points for users, with the aim of eradicating the black market for marijuana.

For now not much is known about the details, though it is clear that their openings depend on both the local and cantonal governments approving the measure. Furthermore, for the benefit of users, it seems that this will be the beginning of a larger project: the opening of the clubs will serve to test out more liberal laws regarding marijuana and to gauge their results. It should be recalled that they have been debating whether to permit these kinds of places for consumption since 2014.

The Swiss authorities have explained that the initiative will facilitate consumers' access to legal cannabis, as they are aware that at least 500,000 people are regular users of grass. However, these strategic points will be closely monitored and strictly regulated, especially during the first phase of the pilot programme, during which only 2,000 people will be able to access the clubs, provided that they have health issues or problems related to the use of other substances.

This is a new step after the country decriminalised the possession of cannabis in 2013, when carrying 10 grams or less ceased to constitute a crime, and was only punishable with administrative sanctions entailing fines of about 100 USD (90 euros).

While many see the news as a step forward for both Switzerland and the European Union, some lawmakers in the country are leery about the idea. For activists and users, however, this is an unprecedented step that will pave the way for better decisions in the near future.