Is Cannabis / THC legal in Switzerland?

Legal status

Illegal above 1% THC; possession of ≤10 g = a fixed CHF 100 fine (no criminal record); < 1% THC products legal; medical cannabis prescribable (since Aug 2022); adult-use pilot trials running

Consequences if caught

Switzerland's four-pillar policy (prevention, therapy, harm reduction, repression — enshrined 2011) shapes enforcement: drug USE is punishable by a fine (Art 19a); heroin-assisted treatment (diamorphine on prescription) is legal for dependent patients; and supervised consumption rooms and official drug-checking services operate in several cities. For cannabis specifically, possession of up to 10 g carries a fixed fine of CHF 100 with no criminal record and no court (2012/2013 reform); products under 1% THC are legal and sold in shops, while over 1% THC is the illegal threshold. Adult-use pilot trials run in Basel, Bern, Zurich and Geneva for registered participants. Trafficking, supply or manufacture (Art 19) carries up to 3 years or a fine; aggravated cases (Art 19 para 2 — endangering many people, roughly 4 kg of hashish, or organised activity) carry 2–10 years.

If prescribed or medical

Medical cannabis has been prescribable by doctors without a special FOPH permit since August 2022; carry the prescription and a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).

Documentation

Schengen travel: carry prescribed narcotics with a Schengen Article 75 certificate and keep them in original packaging. Medical cannabis has been prescribable by doctors WITHOUT a special FOPH permit since August 2022.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Switzerland’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.