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The Federal Council wants to allow pilot tests for cannabis use without penalty. On the one hand, patients should quickly take cannabis-based drugs. On the other hand, the Federal Council also wants to create the legal basis for an experimental herb removal.
The use of cannabis in Switzerland is banned and punishable since 1951. But despite the crackdown, the number of consumers and consumers is not back, said Wednesday the Minister of Health Alain Berset (46) in front of the media. About three percent of the population or 200,000 people smoked at least one joint per month.
Today, only the black market is flourishing
At the same time, the black market is flourishing. Consumer safety was no longer guaranteed as quality controls were lacking. For example, several cities and cantons have decided to conduct scientific studies with regulated sampling and examine the effects on consumption and consumers.
The OFSP however rejected the applications on the grounds that there was no legal basis for doing so. The Federal Council wants to remove this obstacle with the new article of the law on narcotics. The consultation lasts until October 25
Five years of probation – and only for science
According to the regulation, pilot tests can be carried out for up to five years and only for scientific purposes. They should provide information on the effects of drugs on consumer health, consumer behavior, the drug market, the protection of minors and public safety.
Trials must be limited to one or more municipalities. Minors are excluded. Only people who use cannabis and have their place of residence in the community concerned are eligible to participate.
You must buy the diploma anyway
Participants may only use five grams of total THC in approved retail outlets. Buy 10 grams of THC per month. The price should take into account the active substance content and the "local black market price".
Cannabis products sold should also be strictly regulated: their THC content should not exceed 20 percent and be "high" in impurities and pesticides
Confederation to approve pilot experiments
Municipalities and interested cities must submit an application to the FOPH. If the conditions are fulfilled and after consulting the cantons concerned, the FOPH can grant the permit. The article is limited to ten years and does not change the general ban on cannabis use, writes the BAG.
At the same time, the Federal Council wants to facilitate access to medicinal cannabis for patients. In Switzerland, about 3,000 patients – often elderly people with chronic pain and incurable diseases such as multiple sclerosis or terminal cancer – were treated last year.
Also relieves pain and dizziness
Because cannabis can relieve the pain, nausea, cramps or dizziness of those affected, if no other drug was effective said Berset. But the approval process is tedious and delays the start of treatment. For today, patients must obtain an exemption from the BAG.
The Federal Council has therefore instructed the Federal Department of the Interior (DFI) to amend the legislation. In addition, the ban on marketing medicinal cannabis should be lifted. An exemption would not be necessary in the future. A draft consultation should be available in the summer of 2019.
In addition, the BAG should consider any reimbursement by the health insurance. The medical and therapeutic potential has been known for several years, Berset said. But scientifically, the effect of cannabis is still insufficiently proven. Clinical studies were missing, which would be a condition for reimbursement. (sda / sf)
Posted 04.07.2018 | Updated 4 minutes ago
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