Cannabis laws in Switzerland sit in a partially legal, partially restricted space.
Cannabis in Switzerland is illegal for recreational use. Still, minor possession has been decriminalized since 2012 and now results in a fixed fine rather than criminal charges.
Products containing less than 1% THC are legal nationwide, which is why low-THC “CBD cannabis” is widely available.
Medical cannabis is permitted, but only under strict prescription rules.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Recreational cannabis with more than 1% THC is illegal, though possession of up to 10 grams for personal use is not penalised, and consumption typically leads to a CHF 100 fine.
- CBD products under 1% THC are legal, widely available, and regulated under food, cosmetic, or therapeutic laws rather than narcotics legislation.
- You cannot bring cannabis across borders, and tourists have no legal access to high-THC products or medical cannabis programs, even though pilot trials are underway for selected Swiss residents.
How Switzerland Regulates Cannabis Today
Switzerland takes a mixed approach to cannabis, combining prohibition with limited tolerance.
Cannabis with more than 1% THC is illegal, and trading high-THC products such as hashish or marijuana can lead to criminal penalties. However, since 2012, possession of a small amount for personal use has been treated more leniently.
Adults caught using cannabis may receive a CHF 100 fixed fine, but holding up to 10 grams for personal consumption is not punishable. Sharing the same small amount with another adult, as long as no money changes hands, is also exempt from fines.
The law draws a strict line between THC and CBD. Products containing under 1% THC, including hemp flowers, oils, balms, and drops, are legal. However, suppliers must follow detailed federal regulations on production and labelling.
Residents and tourists are subject to the same rules, and both should note that “legal” CBD items can still cause detectable THC levels when driving, which is prohibited.
Switzerland also permits certain adults to access regulated cannabis through scientific pilot trials, but this does not change national law.
Travellers should be cautious when crossing borders, as low-THC products allowed in Switzerland may be illegal in neighbouring countries.
How Switzerland Handles Medical Cannabis Access
Switzerland allows the use of medical cannabis, but the system remains tightly regulated.
Doctors can prescribe cannabis-based treatments without needing prior approval from the Federal Office of Public Health, a requirement that was lifted in August 2022. These prescriptions are generally reserved for patients dealing with conditions such as severe chronic pain, multiple sclerosis–related spasticity, or symptoms linked to chemotherapy.
Only specific preparations are permitted, with one officially approved narcotic cannabis medicine available nationwide and a limited number of pharmacies authorised to produce tinctures or oil-based formulations. Cannabis flower or resin is not supplied as part of medical treatment.
Qualifying as a patient depends on a medical evaluation rather than a registration program, and individuals must usually cover the cost themselves, as insurance reimbursement is rare.
Tourists cannot access medical cannabis in Switzerland, as prescriptions are issued within the country’s healthcare system and intended for residents under ongoing clinical supervision.
Doctors must also contribute treatment data to a national monitoring system, which aims to strengthen research on the medical use of cannabis in Switzerland.
How and Where Cannabis Can Be Purchased in Switzerland
Buying cannabis in Switzerland depends entirely on THC content.
Products containing less than 1% THC (often marketed as CBD cannabis) are legal and widely sold in specialist shops, tobacco stores, and online retailers. These items range from dried hemp flowers and extracts to capsules, oils, e-liquids, and topical products.
Prices vary by retailer and quality, but CBD flowers typically range from CHF 8–15 per gram, with premium products costing more.
In contrast, cannabis with more than 1% THC cannot be bought legally unless prescribed for medical treatment and dispensed through authorised pharmacies.
Recreational high-THC cannabis is only accessible on the black market, except for adults enrolled in approved pilot studies. Tourists cannot legally purchase high-THC products, and participation in pilot schemes is restricted to registered residents of the study cities.
Visitors may buy CBD items, but they should ensure THC levels meet the national limit.
Rules on Consuming Cannabis in Switzerland
Public consumption of high-THC cannabis is unlawful, and anyone caught using it may receive a CHF 100 fine.
Even though low-THC CBD products are legal, many cities treat their public use cautiously; police may intervene if consumption is mistaken for illegal cannabis or causes a disturbance. As a result, most users stick to private settings.
In private accommodations such as hotels or Airbnbs, use generally depends on the property’s own rules. Many hosts prohibit smoking of any kind, while others may allow it on balconies or designated outdoor areas. Tourists should always confirm policies in advance to avoid penalties or cleaning charges.
Carrying cannabis in public is permitted only for legal CBD products or under 10 grams of high-THC cannabis for personal possession, which is not punishable but still illegal to use.
Transporting any amount across borders is risky, as low-THC items legal in Switzerland may violate foreign laws.
Participants in pilot trials must follow separate rules, including restricted consumption zones defined by each study.
Rules for Entering and Leaving Switzerland with Cannabis
Travellers should be aware that bringing cannabis into or out of Switzerland is illegal, regardless of whether the product is for personal use or purchased legally within the country. This restriction applies to both high-THC cannabis and low-THC CBD items.
Even CBD cannabis flowers that meet Switzerland’s 1% threshold may exceed the legal limit elsewhere, which can result in confiscation, fines, or criminal proceedings once you cross the border.
Swiss customs officers are trained to identify cannabis products, and anyone caught transporting them can expect seizure and potential penalties, depending on the quantity and intent.
Airport security is equally strict, and cannabis is treated as a prohibited substance during screening. Travellers who attempt to carry it may be referred to customs officials, questioned, and fined.
The safest approach for anyone planning a trip is to avoid travelling with any cannabis products entirely, even those purchased legally within Switzerland, to prevent complications at departure or arrival points.
Understanding Enforcement and Potential Risks in Switzerland
Swiss police generally enforce cannabis laws consistently, though the level of strictness can vary slightly by canton. Officers are not known to be corrupt, and interactions are typically professional.
For most adults, the realistic risk is a fine rather than an arrest, especially if the issue involves personal use. Being caught consuming cannabis with more than 1% THC usually results in a CHF 100 fixed penalty. At the same time, possession of under 10 grams is not punished unless there is evidence of use. Repeated offences or involvement in small-scale dealing can lead to higher monetary penalties, and trafficking larger quantities may result in imprisonment.
Tourists who buy cannabis on the street should be cautious, as illegal sellers sometimes offer poor-quality or mislabelled products, and in some cases may tip off police if they sense hesitation.
Another common risk is confusing high-THC cannabis with legal CBD flowers, which look similar but carry very different consequences if used publicly.
The safest approach is to rely on licensed retailers for CBD products and avoid any activity that could be interpreted as trading or distributing cannabis.
How Swiss Society Views Cannabis Use
Social attitudes toward cannabis in Switzerland are mixed but gradually shifting.
While high-THC cannabis remains illegal, its use is relatively common among adults, and many people view occasional consumption as a personal choice rather than a moral issue.
Public use is still frowned upon, yet most Swiss residents do not strongly condemn someone who consumes discreetly in private.
The launch of federally approved pilot trials in several cities has also helped normalise discussion around regulated access, signalling a broadening acceptance of controlled adult use.
A visible cannabis community exists, though it tends to be low-key. CBD shops are widespread, advocacy groups operate across the country, and larger cities have networks of users who participate in research studies or support reform efforts.
The ongoing debate about national legalisation, including parliamentary discussions in 2021 and a draft reform bill advanced in 2025, reflects this evolving cultural landscape.
For travellers, the atmosphere is generally tolerant as long as consumption remains private and within the law.
Practical Tips for Visitors Interested in Switzerland’s Cannabis Scene
Cannabis terminology in Switzerland varies by region, but the most commonly used words include “Gras” or “Weed” for dried flower and “CBD” for legal low-THC products.
Shops that sell CBD often advertise it clearly, so visitors rarely need slang to find legal options. Asking for “CBD Hanf” (hemp) in German-speaking areas or “chanvre CBD” in French-speaking regions is usually enough to be understood.
High-THC cannabis, however, is not legally sold, so visitors should avoid using street terms to look for it, as doing so may attract unwanted attention or unreliable sellers.
Switzerland does not host large cannabis festivals due to its legal framework. Still, cities participating in pilot trials, such as Zurich, Basel, and Lausanne, sometimes organise public discussions or educational events linked to the studies. These are informative rather than recreational.
As for accommodation, a few privately run Airbnbs indicate they are smoker-friendly, though this typically refers to tobacco or balconies rather than cannabis. Hotels generally prohibit smoking indoors.
Travellers interested in cannabis tourism should confirm house rules directly with hosts, as policies vary widely and smoking restrictions are enforced strictly across the country.
Important Notes for Staying Safe and Informed
Cannabis laws in Switzerland are evolving, and ongoing pilot trials and legislative discussions mean the framework may continue to shift.
Laws can change quickly: always check the latest local rules before buying or using any cannabis product, and rely on official sources rather than hearsay.
Travellers should remember that recreational high-THC cannabis remains illegal nationwide and that enforcement can differ slightly across cantons, especially in public spaces.
For those interested in the local CBD market or simply curious about cannabis in Switzerland, the safest approach is to stay low-key. Using products discreetly, respecting accommodation policies, and avoiding any behaviour that could be seen as trafficking or encouraging illegal use will help prevent complications.