Lausanne’s pilot project for the regulated sale of recreational cannabis is entering its concrete phase, with the opening of a point of sale in the city center by the end of the year. Nearly 200 participants have already registered for the Cann-L project.

After a series of steps initiated in 2015, Lausanne’s regulated cannabis pilot program is coming to an end, with the opening of the last piece of the puzzle: the point of sale. The chosen location is rue du Maupas 7, an address strategically chosen because it is easily accessible. The point of sale is currently being prepared and should have a full team by the end of the year.

The products offered at the point of sale will come from a company based in Geneva and will include weed and resin. These products must comply with federal legislation, which limits THC content to a maximum of 20% and will only be intended for personal consumption in private spaces.

Of the 2,500 people who have expressed interest in the project, some 1,800 people are eligible to participate. As of September 21, 200 people have been contacted and scheduled for mandatory initial interviews. Additionally, 1,600 emails were sent for additional registrations. However, the process could experience delays and “traffic jams” due to the time required for interviews and the limited stock of cannabis currently available.

Frank Zobel, deputy director of Addiction Suisse, the organization which oversees the scientific aspect of the project, insisted on the gradual integration of interested people, the aim being to reach a panel of 1,200 participants. For the future, it is planned to diversify the sources of merchandise, with two or three production sites expected to replace the current one.

Fight against the black market and reduction of risks

The Lausanne project aims not only to monitor the evolution of the black market, but also to assess the impact of non-profit cannabis sales on consumer behavior. To do this, participants will have to complete a questionnaire every six months. In addition, a 45-minute preliminary interview will recall the framework of the project and confirm the eligibility of the participants, in particular their age, their residence in Lausanne and their cannabis consumption. Participants will receive a personal card, which will serve as both proof of possession and purchase of cannabis in the event of a police check.

Several unknowns remain about the impact of the trial, such as the quantity to be sold and the number of participants. The association behind the project aims to maintain competitive prices, approximately between 9 and 13 francs per gram, which should correspond to black market prices with a “premium” for quality.

In Switzerland, around 4% of adults use cannabis, and in Lausanne, around 6,500 people use cannabis, 1,500 of them daily, generating a turnover of around nine million euros. The objective of the project is to reduce the illegal market and the nuisance it causes.

The Cann-L project in Lausanne has a budget of 1.7 million francs and is expected to last four and a half years. It received approval from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) last March. Other Swiss cities, including Basel and Zurich, have already launched controlled sales of cannabis in pharmacies, and the canton of Geneva announced the opening of its cannabis library in Vernier in December.

It will then remain in Bern, Bienne and Lucerne to deploy their experimentation with legal cannabis to have in real life the 5 tests currently listed.

There are questions that generally take second place. The legalization of medical cannabis is a subject that most often depends on the needs of patients and which do not stop only at public safety or financing possibilities.

If France decided to generalize medical cannabis, it would then have the choice of sticking to imports, which are generally complex and costly, or of encouraging the emergence of a national sector which, in addition to engaging the sovereignty of the State, would allow access to materials for medical use and quality at a much lower cost than on international markets.

An important question then arises: how much could medical cannabis bring to France?

References in this area are lacking. One method could be to start from the number of patients, their average needs per month, to deduce the number of cultivation, analysis and processing sites necessary for the production of this cannabis for medical use and to calculate, according to an average price, the turnover generated by the sector. A tough guy and Newsweed doesn’t have the time and means of a French polling institute.

Close to us, in Germany, the number of prescriptions issued for cannabis is known, around 400,000, without dimension of the number of patients. Estimates range from 100 to 150,000. The quantities imported by the country are also known, 20.6 tonnes, in addition to 2.6 tonnes produced locally. However, part of the imports is reshipped to other countries, thus not accounting for the quantities actually consumed. The amounts paid by health insurance are known, around 200 million euros for the year 2023, but without a direct link with the turnover of the German cannabis industry, still very small and overwhelmingly an importer, therefore without creating value other than a distributor margin on federal soil.

The medical status of cannabis being very different according to the States in the United States, it would seem more appropriate to look towards Canada. Here too the estimates differ. Some medical patients obtain their supplies on the adult market, the other grow with plant authorizations that make the French PQR pale: technically without limit, and in fact, up to almost 500 plants per patient in certain provinces English speakers. Declarative surveys revolve around CA$75 spent per month by a Canadian patient, but the quantities announced by Statistics Canada are of the order of 2 grams of cannabis per day for a patient, or around CA$300 per month. Although the Canadian statistical office does a good job of reporting on the sales and impact of cannabis in the country, the view is limited.

But, since there is a but, a 2022 report from Deloitte could shed some light. Overall, the Canadian industry sold 2.7 billion euros of cannabis in 2021, non-medical sales included. At that date, the medical market represented roughly 10% of the total market, i.e. 270 million euros for 200,000 patients.

The contribution to the economy of the cannabis sector is even greater. While sales of cannabis since 2018 are estimated by Deloitte at 7.6 billion euros, the contribution of the sector, taking into account direct, indirect and induced economic activity, amounts there to 30.3 billion euros and 151,000 jobs. Or, if we keep the previous proportion of 10%, 3 billion euros and 15,000 jobs for the medical cannabis industry alone in 4 years.

So obviously, these are just cross products on a side of the table. But since the arguments of reason have failed to hit the mark, what about financial interest?

The Fiji government is looking to generate other sources of revenue and the creation of a medical cannabis industry is on its list of potential options to replace a tourism industry hit hard by COVID.

“Relying solely on tourism is not sustainable for our economy,” said Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica. “We must explore new avenues to generate revenue and diversify our economy. Medicinal cannabis cultivation is a promising area that we are looking at.”

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica clarified that such an undertaking would not take place in an environment without regulation and that the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes was certainly not on the agenda. Moreover, the medical cannabis cultivated as part of this initiative would not be destined for the country.

“It is essential to understand that this activity will be closely regulated and confined to secure facilities. There will be no local sales or marketing; the products will be harvested, processed and exported. »

This prospect has already attracted the attention of pharmaceutical companies, one of which is also interested in the potential for exporting traditional Fijian medicine (Wai Vaka Viti) to international markets.

“This initiative goes beyond just generating income; it’s an opportunity to create jobs, strengthen our economy and potentially improve the lives of people in need,” Mr. Kamikamica said.

One of the next steps will be to hold nationwide consultations to enable the country’s citizens to provide information that will help shape the future of medicinal cannabis in Fiji.

Along the same lines, it was only last year that legislative changes permitted the importation, possession, cultivation, sale and supply of industrial hemp in Fiji, defined as Cannabis whose THC concentration does not exceed 1%.

Fiji’s President Wiliame Katonivere has strongly supported exploring hemp’s potential and said in 2021 that the country “must not hesitate” to capitalize on its economic benefits.

La Ferme Médicale has been producing cannabinoid hemp since 2019. A pioneer in its model, it had become accustomed to extracting the active ingredients from its plants in Germany, with France not authorizing the extraction of hemp until the end of 2021.

As the regulations have evolved on this point, La Ferme Médicale (LFM) now aims to make CO2 extraction accessible to as many people as possible and at advantageous prices, from €60 per kilo of biomass, by relying on equipment cutting-edge technology and in-depth scientific expertise.

Having navigated the twists and turns of the hemp industry herself, LFM understands the unique demands and challenges faced by businesses in the Cannabis industry. Whether you are a CBD oil producer, hemp cultivator, or cannabis product manufacturer, LFM provides a range of services designed to meet specific needs.

GMP certified supercritical CO2 extraction

Their state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with a GMP-certified supercritical CO2 extraction machine. This certification ensures that the extraction process meets the highest standards of good manufacturing practices. The use of supercritical CO2 extraction technology also guarantees efficient and high-quality extraction while preserving the active ingredients of hemp, without subjecting them to high temperatures, thus ensuring the integrity of the extracted compounds.

Their quest for quality has included the development of a laboratory compliant with the ISO 22000 standard, which underlines their commitment to respect rigorous practices in food safety and quality control. From the initial seed stage to the final product, strict controls are maintained throughout the production chain in order to offer products of impeccable quality and safety.



Complete quality control

Quality control is an integral part of the process. Meticulous analyzes of the plant material are carried out before extraction in order to detect the presence of heavy metals and pesticides. Additionally, cannabinoid levels in the plant are precisely measured before and after extraction. These rigorous controls ensure that the final products meet their self-imposed standards for quality, purity and safety.

Once the extraction process is complete, LFM works closely with its partners to create formulations tailored to their specifications. Extracted plant materials, rich in phytoactives, are blended to create high-quality natural products that match the brand’s unique vision.

“La Ferme Médicale actively participates in the development of the French CBD sector by supporting producers in the different stages of processing their materials, thus offering a complete service from extraction to packaging” explains Raphaël De Pablo.

Unparalleled support and expertise

La Ferme Médicale has already established fruitful collaborations with numerous players in the CBD, cosmetics, food supplements and pharmaceutical research markets. By choosing to work with LFM, you will access the wealth of expertise of their scientific team. Their desire for excellence is reflected in the support and support provided throughout the journey, from extraction to product development to become a partner in innovation, quality and success.

Learn more on their website.

As part of a significant shift in Portuguese political discourse, there is a growing consensus in favor of legalizing cannabis for adult use in Portugal.

During a debate in the Assembly of the Republic (AR), representatives of various political parties and organizations expressed their support for the regulation of cannabis rather than maintaining prohibitionist policies.

This development follows the recent announcement by the Socialist Party (PS), which currently holds a majority in the Portuguese government, regarding the formation of a new working group to discuss the legalization of personal use of cannabis .

The conference, titled “Adolescent Cannabis Exposure and Health” and organized by the Treatment Activist Group (TAG), appears to indicate that a consensus is emerging in different quarters to move forward. forward towards the regulation of personal use of cannabis.

Placed under the scientific coordination of Professor Teresa Summavielle, it brought together national and international experts who, for example, intervened on the understanding and consideration of the risks associated with cannabis consumption, particularly among adolescents.

Policy Perspectives on Cannabis Regulation

António Maló de Abreu, president of the health committee and member of the Social Democratic Party, recognized the complexity of the cannabis issue. He highlighted the importance of protecting young people from the potential harm of cannabis use while recognizing evolving international trends towards regulation. However, he also expressed concerns that legalization could unintentionally increase cannabis use among minors, something that does not appear to be seen overseas.

Carlos Alves, vice-president of Infarmed, the Portuguese authority for medicines and health products, highlighted the need for Portugal to engage in discussions on the non-medical consumption of cannabis, as it is of a global subject. He stressed the importance of addressing the risks associated with cannabis use, particularly psychological illnesses, while recognizing the diversity of approaches taken by different countries.

João Goulão, from SICAD (Intervention Service for Addictive Behaviors and Dependence), adopted a more flexible position on the regulation of cannabis consumption among adults. He emphasized the need to minimize the harmful effects of cannabis, particularly among adolescents, and suggested considering a broader regulatory paradigm for various substances. Mr. Goulão insisted that while economic interests may play a role, the focus must be primarily on health and evidence-based decision-making.

Towards responsible cannabis regulation

Luís Mendão, director of the GAT Citizens’ Initiative, moderated the discussions and highlighted the organization’s commitment to responsible regulation based on knowledge and health protection. He recalled the support of three university rectors for the regulation of cannabis in a letter addressed to Parliament.

Maria de Lurdes Rodrigues, rector of ISCTE and former education minister, expressed support for cannabis regulation, emphasizing the importance of basing policies on empirical facts rather than personal opinions. She also drew parallels with alcohol, highlighting the negative effects of alcohol consumption on health and behavior.

Portugal is witnessing a significant shift in its approach to cannabis regulation, with growing support for legalizing adult use. Discussions within the Assembly of the Republic indicate a desire to explore evidence-based approaches to cannabis policy that prioritize health and safety, particularly among young people.

Although economic considerations are on the agenda, the primary objective remains reducing the potential risks associated with cannabis use, reflecting evolving international trends towards regulation rather than prohibitionism.

The New York State Cannabis Control Board will issue nearly 1,500 cannabis licenses when the application window opens on October 4.

The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) recently voted to finalize the state’s proposed regulations.Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) for the state’s adult-use cannabis market.

Individuals and businesses will be able to apply for cultivator, processor, distributor, micro-business and retail licenses starting October 4, 2023, marking the largest expansion of New York’s cannabis market since the legalization of adult use in 2021.

According to Green Market ReportChris Alexander, executive director of theOffice of Cannabis Management of New York, said, “We’re going to be issuing well over a thousand, closer to 1,500 licenses, all the way through the supply chain.”

In a statement on the day of the vote, Mr. Alexander added: “Today marks the most significant expansion of New York’s legal cannabis market since legalization, and we have taken a big step toward our goal of enabling for New Yorkers to have access to safer, regulated cannabis across the state. »

“We are extremely proud to build the most equitable and competitive cannabis industry in the country, one that prioritizes those most impacted by prohibition and provides all New Yorkers, not just large companies, a real opportunity to compete and prosper. »

“The regulations finalized today are the result of robust engagement with stakeholders across the state who submitted thousands of comments. This final package truly represents the values ​​of fairness and competition that we believe are at the heart of this market. »

“I want to especially thank Governor Hochul for his leadership, the Board of Trustees for their collaboration, the Legislature for their vision and our partners for their commitment to this mission. »

The CCB also confirmed that from October 4, currently operating adult conditional cultivators (AUCC) and conditional processors (AUCP) will also be able to apply for full, non-conditional licenses.

Social and economic equity applicants will receive a 50% reduction in application or licensing fees and will be eligible for application assistance.

Tremaine Wright, Chair of the New York State Cannabis Control Board, also said, “Today’s introduction of our cannabis licensing program marks a turning point in the state’s commitment. of New York in support of entrepreneurship and the promotion of a truly diverse cannabis market. »

“Starting in October, future business owners will be able to follow the process of applying for various licenses with ease through the platform New York Business Express (NYBE). »

“Our commitment to social and economic equity will continue to take center stage, ensuring that individuals and communities from all backgrounds have a fair chance to succeed in this booming industry. With these comprehensive additions, New York cements its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the cannabis world. »

Geneva will soon be the third city in Switzerland – after Basel and Zurich – to sell cannabis completely legally. The news was announced last Wednesday by former President of the Confederation Ruth Dreifuss, currently president of the ChanGE association which will lead the experiment.

Legal sale of cannabis: a first for Geneva

The three-year pilot project will offer approximately 1,000 Geneva residents the opportunity to purchase and consume cannabis legally. It will be closely monitored and analyzed by the addiction department of University Hospitals and the sociology department of the University of Geneva.

Instead of performing physiological measurements, such as blood tests, researchers will focus on participants’ perceptions, behaviors and consumption, as well as community reactions.

Conditions of participation and location of point of sale

To participate in this experience, potential participants must be of legal age, reside in the canton of Geneva and be regular consumers of cannabis, whether for recreational or therapeutic purposes.

Martine Baudin, ChanGE coordinator, emphasizes that the project aims to interest a wide range of participants, aged 18 to 70.

Selected candidates will be able to visit “La Cannabinothèque”, the point of sale which will be located near Châtelaine, in Vernier, a few kilometers from the French border, from December and which will be easily accessible by public transport.

Conclusion and compliance with the law

While the pilot project seems promising for cannabis enthusiasts in Geneva, authorities stress that it will be strictly regulated and that illegal activities will not be tolerated. Carole-Anne Kast, Secretary of State for Police, declared: “There is absolutely no question of illegal behavior taking place within this legal framework. »

Furthermore, the success of the project will depend on the support of the local community, as emphasized by Martin Staub, administrative advisor of the municipality of Vernier.

The pilot project aims to be an important step towards a more in-depth understanding of the effects of the legal sale and consumption of cannabis in Geneva and will provide opportunities to improve public health and prevention strategies. Registrations to participate in the trial have been open on the ChanGE association website since last Sunday, while the point of sale should open its doors to participants next December.

Last Friday, the plan to legalize cannabis in Germany was presented to the Bundesrat (or Federal Council), whose members represent the different German states. This chamber, where legislators insisted on the adoption of amendments, did not prevent the project from moving forward.

The federal government, which initiated the bill, will now respond to the Bundesrat’s comments, after which the legislation will be forwarded to the Bundestag for possible enactment.

What happened in the Bundesrat?

The motion by Bavaria’s representative in the Bundesrat to pause the bill was rejected, as was a measure that would have required formal consent from the Bundesrat before legalization could be enacted. Another proposed amendment to raise the age limit for legal possession of cannabis compared to the current draft, which provides for 18 years, was also rejected.

The majority of state government officials acknowledged that the legislation had a “structural enforcement deficit,” according to a translation. They want revisions to be made so that the federal government implements regulations in a way that does not result in administrative costs for states.

The Bundesrat committees made a total of 80 recommendations for revising the legalization proposal.

Also required are measures to prevent road accidents, the definition of standards for securing cultivation facilities and minimum standards imposed by law for the development of health and youth protection concepts.

The service, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages must also be prohibited in future Cannabis Clubs and the Länder also want the regulations relating to the protection of minors to be examined for their feasibility and implementation.

It was also asked to “fill the gaps in punishability”.

The chamber’s comments will now go to the federal cabinet, which drafted the legalization bill. He will be responsible for preparing a counter-statement, and then the bill will be sent to the main legislative chamber. If adopted by the Bundestag, the Bundesrat will be able to debate the proposal, but will not be able to prevent it from entering into force.

The law is expected to come into force in early 2024.

What’s in Germany’s legalization of cannabis?

The legalization measure was launched by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. The proposal, which was unveiled in July, would allow adults to legally possess cannabis and cultivate up to three plants for personal use.

It also provides for the creation of social clubs that could distribute cannabis to their members, with purchase limits of 25 grams of cannabis per day for people aged over 21 (up to a total of 50 grams per month ) and a lower limit of 30 grams per month for people aged 18 to 21.

These facilities cannot be located within 200 meters of a school, and each city or district can only have one club per 6,000 residents, with a limit of 500 members per club. The permit to operate a social club would be valid for a maximum period of seven years, with the possibility of obtaining an extension after five years. According to the bill, club membership should last at least two months.

Secondly, the country will seek to establish a retail cannabis sales system.

The German state of Bavaria wants to limit consumption through its own measures in the event of nationwide legalization of cannabis. A “central control unit” should, through the strict application of the federal law on cannabis in the state, “contain and prevent as much as possible the consumption of this dangerous drug”, announced the Minister of Health, Klaus Holetschek (CSU), in Munich.

Bavaria wants to limit cannabis consumption

All admissible legal measures will also be taken to oppose the law, should it come into force.

“Because the Berlin traffic light coalition project threatens health, especially that of young people,” said Holetschek.

Today, the Bundesrat has the opportunity to comment on the traffic light coalition’s cannabis legalization plans. Bavaria plans to “submit a plenary motion to the Bundesrat today that would completely reject the bill.”

The cabinet announced in mid-August that it approved the bill. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) spoke of a “turning point in drug policy” and said he was convinced that it could curb the black market, combat crime linked to drugs and strengthen health protection.

Bundesrat cannot block bill

The proposal still has to go through the Bundestag and the Federal Council. However, in the Bundesrat, it is not subject to a majority vote, according to Mr. Lauterbach, and therefore cannot be stopped at this level.

Spotted by CannabisIndustrie.nl, Kristine Lütke, political representative of the FDP in the Bundesrat, announced this on Twitter:

“Cannabis controllers in Bavaria?! Klaus Holetschek probably plans regular surveillance of cannabis users by the Stasi! But the fact is that Bavaria cannot ignore the applicable federal law – legalization also applies to the Free State! »

Kiffer-Kontrolleure in #Bayern?! ???? @klausholetschek plant wohl eine regelrechte Stasi-Uberwachung von #Cannabis-Konsumenten! Doch Fakt ist: Bayern cannn sich nicht über geltendes Bundesrecht hinwegsetzen – also im Freistaat kommt die #Legalization! ????https://t.co/WWn6ninFdD

— Kristine Lütke MdB (@kristine_lutke) September 28, 2023

Earlier this week, the CSU announced that it “will do everything in its power” to prevent the legalization of cannabis in Germany. Bavaria had also already shown itself reluctant to legalization by asking the European Union to block the federal project.

Wirden alles tun, um der Cannabis-Legalisierung einen Riegel vorzuschieben. #BR24Wahl pic.twitter.com/0e0j5AT9Ir

— CSU (@CSU) September 13, 2023

The “Access to care.fr” platform is a citizen initiative which aims to raise awareness among members of Parliament of the need to legalize medical cannabis in France.

With growing evidence of the effectiveness of cannabis in treating a range of medical conditions, this campaign aims to inform and engage lawmakers on the pressing need to enact progressive reforms that could improve the well -to be around 300,000 sick in the medium term across the nation, while the government abandoned the subject in its PLFSS despite its promises.

Enlighten French MPs on the urgency of legalizing medical cannabis

“Access to care.fr” simply presents itself as a tool to easily contact MPs and raise awareness of a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to medical cannabis in France.

This initiative was set up independently by Damien Visconte, who is otherwise known for his Parlons Canna podcasts. He imagined it as “a tool to connect people who need to be heard – patients and doctors – and decision-makers” without it being linked to a particular association, company or union.

“It’s then up to everyone to mobilize and mobilize the deputies if they wish,” Damien explains to us. “The initiative supports nothing other than common sense and justice to ensure that people stop suffering and can access the right medication. »

The principle is simple and takes place in 3 stages: you can contact a particular ministry, raise awareness among local elected officials then publicize this collective action via social networks.

The goal is obviously not to spam MPs but to provide them with real testimonies and real support. The latter still have the possibility of bringing the generalization of medical cannabis into the PLFSS through amendments, which would be made easier for them by real-life testimonies from people who already benefit or who could benefit from the benefits of therapeutic cannabis.

Find out more about Access to care.fr