The pilot project for the legal distribution of cannabis was launched in Zurich last Tuesday. In the project context Züri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility1,200 selected participants now have the opportunity to purchase controlled cannabis products.
The study will last 3 years and aims to understand how the sale of cannabis products under regulated conditions affects participants’ consumption and health.
For now, cannabis products will be available in 9 pharmacies and 6 Social Clubs. They may be consumed in private premises or in one of the Social Clubs, which are managed by individuals or associations.
Eventually, the pilot project in Zurich should become the largest in Switzerland, with more than 2,100 participants and 21 points of sale: pharmacies, Social Clubs and a drug information centre. Each point of sale is authorized to accommodate between 50 and 150 participants.
The study participants are 80% male, between the ages of 18 and 80.
As with the Basel project, the Swiss company Vigia AG is supplying the cannabis distribution system, developed in cooperation with the Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP), and which will make it possible to reliably document the delivery of products. This software suite offers complete traceability of cannabis products. The FOPH thus has a precise view of the cannabis in circulation, which serves as a basis for in-depth scientific research. This data is also used for reporting to the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board.
Five Swiss cities (Bern, Lausanne, Basel, Zurich and Geneva) have authorized the establishment of regulated experiments in the sale of cannabis. In Basel, the sale of cannabis has started. Sales should also start in Lausanne in September. Bern should follow in October, then Geneva.
