A recent survey carried out in the canton of Valais sought to find out the opinion of its inhabitants on the distribution and legalization of cannabis. The study, commissioned by the HES-SO and the LINK Institute, was conducted among 602 participants and revealed interesting insights into public sentiment towards this controversial issue.
Support for the pilot project
According to the survey, a significant majority of Valais residents, 64% to be precise, expressed their support for a pilot project aimed at the legal distribution of cannabis. This project aligns with existing frameworks already in place in Lausanne, Basel and Zurich. The president of the Valais Organization for Hemp Interests (OVIC), Benjamin Foro, considers these results a positive indication that the population is ready for a progressive and reasonable cannabis policy in the region.
Divergent views on legalization
While support for the pilot project is clear, opinions differ when it comes to the broader issue of cannabis legalization. In Valais, the survey suggests a narrow divide, with 49.7% in favor of legalization. The Haut-Valais region shows a more pronounced lean, with more than 60% in favor of legalization, as well as a substantial rate of 62% among Valaisans under the age of 42.
Benjamin Foro highlights the potential benefits of cannabis regulation for an agricultural canton like Valais. It highlights the need for a well-designed law that not only protects consumers and eliminates the black market, but also supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and farmers.
The results of the survey therefore paint a nuanced picture of the feeling of the Valais public towards cannabis. The data suggests that Valaisans are open to a clear and reasonable cannabis policy, although the political will may not be as strong as in larger Swiss cities.
