Switzerland Gears Up to Open Cannabis Social Clubs
Switzerland has always been a country which runs on its own
accord. Even in the midst of the hype to join the European Union almost two
decades ago, the Swiss opted out, proud and confident in makin
witzerland has always been a country which runs on its own
accord. Even in the midst of the hype to join the European Union almost two
decades ago, the Swiss opted out, proud and confident in making their own way. They’ve
continued to do so in many ways, including pioneering drug policies such as the
first national drug addiction shelters. Now,they are set to take on one of the new cannabis frontiers, that of the “social
club.”
When it comes to their cannabis laws, Franziska Teuscher, responsible for education and social affairs in the
city of Bern said, “We need regulation; not a blanket ban, nor a free-for-all.”
Bern will be one of the test-pilot locations set to showcase a middle ground of
cannabis legality, allowing adults 18 years of age and older a place where they
can purchase regulated cannabis. This legal
viewpoint promotes the removal of power and money out of the black market, and
that as the Swiss see it, provides a product that is much safer compared to one
found on the street.
Recent polls show that almost a third of Swiss citizens
have smoked cannabis, while the country has about 500,000 daily users. Teuscher
believes as a country, Switzerland has “to
deal with this question as a society. For us, there is much to gain and nothing
to lose” showing the exemplary pragmatic ability of the Swiss government to
address their society’s need for such change.
The first of the clubs should open
soon in Geneva, other cities will then presumably follow suit. Based on how
cannabis social clubs have gone elsewhere around Europe, it will be exciting to see how they work
within the Swiss population. Smokey Alps are upon us!
