The contributions of 2018 you can find here, the current here.

An eventful association year is coming to an end: On 1 February we held our association meeting for the second time in the Volkshaus. At the end of March we launched our Wiki updated. In May the CannaTrade took place for the second time in Zurich-Oerlikon. We brought 4 issues of our magazine Legalize it! magazine and in autumn an additional overview of the repression (SH12.1, A3).

Many thanks to all who have supported us!

Now it is time for our winter break, in which we want to tank up as much energy as possible for 2020. The program is already well filled: First, close the 2019 also accounting, then the association meeting, the Legalize it! No. 87 and in May again the CannaTrade.

During the winter break the office is only open on Friday afternoon by telephone - from 20 January we will be available again on MO, DI, DO and FR afternoons.

We wish all nice winter days and a successful start into the new year!

Already on 10 December, the National Council in its new composition had voted on the amendment to the Narcotics Act (experimental article/pilot projects): With 100 to 85 votes (with 2 abstentions) Eintreten was decided. The business now goes back to the Commission, which in its old composition had voted against (by a very narrow margin) (see Web update as of 18.11.2019).
Now it remains to be seen once again when and how the Commission will continue to deal with the business and how the future votes will turn out - Swiss politics is certainly not for the impatient! However, it would be nice if something meaningful would come out after all these years, which unfortunately has not really been the case all too often…

Last week our Members the current number 86 of our magazine Legalize it! received. It contains articles on the following topics: The pending business of the Swiss Hemp Policy, hash from the darknet and an update on the Swiss Joint Index.

We have also published another issue of our magazine Legalize it! pdf. The issue 85 is now available both as a whole and as individual articles in the areas of Politics, Justice, Culture and Scene to Download ready for download. The current issue is still available to our members members only.

Mark your calendar already: From 15 to 17 May next year the legendary hemp fair CannaTrade will take place - after 12 years in Bern, where the premiere was celebrated in 2001.
For those who decide quickly or also as gift there is until the end of December promotion for the 3 day pass. Also the CannaSwissCup will take place then - for CBD-weed-Fans can take advantage of the Early Bird action offer.

We are already looking forward to three unforgettable days!

Last Friday, November 15, the Commission for Social Security and Health of the National Council (SGK-N) approved the creation of an experimental article with the casting vote of the president rejected (11 votes to 11 with 2 abstentions, Media release).
In July, the Commission had discussed various additional hurdles and submitted a report on the protection of minors commissioned. The deal was then put 'on ice' in the meantime (Web update 9.9.19).
Even then it was not really clear what new insights such a report could provide - the pilot projects would only be open to adults anyway (and the distribution of cannabis to young people is already punishable). The report also states (in the summary at the end): “The envisaged legal measures for the protection of minors in the context of possible pilot trials with cannabis are appropriate and sufficient.” In addition, various possibilities for improvement are listed, but for their implementation “more human and financial resources for prevention work and police enforcement”. would be needed. Perhaps a shift away from repression could provide additional resources in other areas?

However, it seems that the report has not been able to convince the opponents for the pilot projects (or it was just a delaying tactic anyway). (or it was just a delaying tactic anyway). It is quite conceivable that one of the main reasons for the rejection was the fear that young people could have come into possession of “trial cannabis”. But at least this would be produced under controlled conditions.
Unfortunately, many politicians have still not realised that young people have been completely unprotected on the black market for decades. black market on the black market. Bans and repression are the most important ingredients for a flourishing black market and not for a sensible youth protection (if such a thing really exists). Now it remains to be seen whether or how the newly composed parliament will continue the business.
Many young people want to consume cannabis and will continue to do so - no one can prevent this.. Therefore: Let's Legalize it!

Since the data basis on the the economic effects of cannabis legalisation in in Switzerland is very thin, we have conducted a study in the form of a Bachelor thesis which has now been published. As a basis for the work, various data on consumption of cannabis in Switzerland. Afterwards, the current cannabis market cannabis market in Switzerland will be investigated. For this purpose, the consumption and prices on the current Swiss market are estimated. Based on this information, it is then possible to estimate the market volume under the current situation. Subsequently, a legalization scenario for Switzerland, which makes it possible to estimate the market in the event of legalisation. At the end of the paper, the tax revenue from value-added tax and cannabis tax is estimated. The figures are impressive and show that the current prohibition would generate hundreds of millions francs in additional tax revenue is preventing. Those interested in the work can read a Summary of it or the whole paper read.

Addendum: Cannabis could bring the state over 300 million a year (nzz.ch, 19.11.19).

We have a new overview of the repression out: Shit happens 12.1 (A3), which can be downloaded as PDF or JPG available. The idea was that besides our brochure and the Wiki we need a concise presentation that shows the complexity of hempprosecution can be presented at a glance. It is intended as a basis for those seeking advice as well as for quick information for media professionals.

This new overview is now used for specific legal consultations in practice and we are also happy to receive feedback from interested parties: Is it understandable? Is there a repression route missing?
The goal is that we refine this A3 further, perhaps produce a large print run or expand it into an A2: Depending on what feedback we get. Also with the PDF with its links, we are curious: Is it useful?
With these findings we would like to publish in 2020 the Legal Aid brochure and the Wiki and develop new ways of presenting this difficult subject in an accessible way: Chat bot, quiz or game, graphic infographic?

In the consultation procedure on the amendment of the Narcotics Act regarding cannabis as a medicinal product various organisations were asked for their opinion. What is disturbing about this is that many organisations were requested that have hardly anything to do with the topic. The association Legalize it! - as an organisation that is close to users and often also to patients - was not taken into account. The opinion of those affected simply does not seem to be of interest.

As the consultation procedure is open to the public, we have nevertheless decided to submit an statement to submit a statement. The content of the amendment was published in our association magazine number 85 (from December online). In our statement we welcome the present amendment to the law, as it is the most concrete thing that brings us a little further forward. However, we also propose some adjustments, in particular the the complete deletion of cannabis from the list of total prohibition. In our opinion, we also emphasise once again that the amendment to the law falls far short of the mark and that only a small proportion of patients will actually benefit from it.

The office is from 7 to 29 October in holiday mode: It is Thursdays and Fridays in the afternoon. otherwise we are mainly available by e-mail otherwise.

From 31 October we will be available again as usual (Mon/Thurs/Thurs/Fri, afternoons).

We wish you all nice autumn days!

These days, our members the current number 85 of our magazine Legalize it! in the mailbox. It contains articles on the following topics: the elections in October, the current Swiss hemp policy, Medical hemp, statistics (Hempseeds & Hash/weed), the price of weedproduction and a book tip.

We have also published another issue of our magazine Legalize it! pdf. The issue 84 is now available both as a whole and as individual articles in the areas of Politics, Justice and Scene to Download ready for download. The current issue is still available to our members members only.

In short: This will probably nothing (clever) more… Already on July 5, the Commission for Social Security and Health of the National Council (SGK-N) in its media release about this business (19.021): It is to be put 'on ice' for the time being, as a report on the protection of minors is to be written first. Apparently, this has the highest priority for the commission, whereby one wonders why the protection of minors plays a role in studies in which only adults are allowed to participate anyway. Apart from that, it could also be argued that the protection of minors has fallen by the wayside for decades, since bans and repression with the resulting black market (and the resulting impenetrability) are the greatest danger not only for young people for young people. But apparently many still see this differently and believe in the fairy tale of youth protection through prohibition.
But back to the pilot projects: The Commission thinks it is a good idea that the employers and schools of future study participants should be informed about their participation. Commission minorities also want to raise the hurdles for study approval even further and are even in favour of study participants having to hand in their driving licence (during the study).

Conclusion: Pilot projects of this kind have been discussed for what feels like an eternity. Realistically, however, these are only part of the smallest commonseeds denominator in Swiss cannabis policy. cannabis policy (besides the medical use). Should such studies really be carried out one day, this would be no more than proof that there are no majorities for real change. there are no majorities for a real change and improvement of the current situation.
The course of the discussions even shows more and more clearly that the whole thing is degenerating into a kind of token exercise of politics. Decades pass before implementation and what is then left in reality is all too often ineffective or even ridiculous. Viewed in the pro-anti-scheme, this means that both sides can show their constituencies that they have got their ideas in and got them through - even if in this case the result then consists after 20 years of a few studies on a subject on which there would already be plenty of and more reliable data. And even with the argument that figures are needed for Switzerland, it remains open whether such studies will provide them at all - because whether there will even be the incentives to overcome the high hurdles for approval one day remains to be seen.
In the end, it will probably be difficult to find participants for such projects at all - which means that the whole thing already seems rather pointless today.

Donations and membership fees can now also by credit card be paid by credit card. Here you can find the revised page with all our transfer options.

From 8 July to 7 August the office will be in break mode. During this time we are only available Thursdays and Fridays, always in the afternoon. by telephone. Outside these times we are best reached by e-mail to reach us.

From Thursday, the August 8th the office will be available again as usual (Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri, preferably in the afternoon).

We wish everyone a wonderful summer time!

We have added to our THC and Lawsection with several new documents: The first Penalty Order From 2019 (law) and a non-acceptance order (Zurich). On the subject of seedsprosecution a identification service and a Recognition of Facts (BL, 2019) with a police report.
In addition, we have a number of new developments in the field of Medicine an application for an exemption permit with the treatment of cannabis.

Already on 12 June there was a report in the 10vor10 programme about the unclear situation at prosecution of (illegal) cannabis in Switzerland. Also from the accompanying article that there are (still) different different approaches (depending on canton and region or police and public prosecutor's office).
We consumers have always tried to obtain as much information possible, so that they at least have an idea of what the range of punishments is. range of punishment can be. Here therefore still two points, that can be important.
- So that the possession of up to 10 grams the cannabis must be for personal use possession could be considered a misdemeanor. offence and punished accordingly (more severely).
- If it is a question of consumption, it can unfortunately still result in a a "normal" reprimand (with interrogation and protocol, possibly even identification service etc.). This depends on the individual case (canton, region, police, public prosecutor's office, etc.). The customs authorities, for example, also small quantities as exempt from punishment, but then bring charges of smuggling or importation, even in the case of very small quantities.

- On 26 June, the Federal Council adopted its proposal for the facilitation of cannabis medicinal products presented (Website - fact sheet [PDF]). In future, it should no longer require a licence from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), but a doctor would be responsible for it. The consultation procedure will last until 17 October. We will continue to publish (e.g. in the magazine Legalize it!) about the topic.

- On the topic cannabis in Switzerland a new book has been published: “Cannabis policy - the questions no one is asking.». We will publish in the magazine Legalize it! report about it.

These days our members the latest issue no. 84 of our magazine Legalize it! in your mailbox. In it you will find articles on the current hemp policy in Switzerland, the fines, the Hemp-prosecution 2018 (with graphics) as well as a strange police control.
As a member you benefit among other things always from our current info on the topic of hemp. The PDF of this issue will be put online in September and will be accessible for everyone.

Last week the CannaTrade took place - once again three very interesting days! Not only for us, but hopefully also for the 11'000 visitors (and 1'600 business visitors). We could meet at our stand with numerous interested people answer questions, present our association about various aspects of hemp and its handling. handling and its handling in Switzerland as well as collect donations collect donations.
A big thank you goes to those members, who have actively helped and without whose commitment such a performance would not have been possible. Also to the CannaTrade-Team for a smooth course of events. The atmosphere was good and even the weather cooperated - what more could you want?
Next year the fair will take place again in Bern. We would be pleased to welcome you then at our stand. Legalize it!

As already in February and March mentioned, this year's Swiss hemp trade fair CannaTrade from 17 to 19 May in Zurich-Oerlikon (Hall 622). We are looking forward to three unforgettable days around the topic of hemp!

The Institute for Addiction and Health Research ISGF carries out research on behalf of the Federal Office of Public Health BAG a study with an online survey and interviews. The study is concerned with the legal and illegal use of cannabis as a medicine or self-medication.
Although the study is entitled “Cannabis use: recreational or medical motives? not about the mere recreational use. In the participation criteria the study is about use for health and medical reasons. Those who meet the criteria mentioned should participate - because perhaps reliable data will convince politicians to finally move forward in this area and remove the unnecessarily high barriers.
Uncomplicated access to cannabis as a medicine could help many patients and reduce the dependence and side effects of conventional drugs.

During the entire month of April the office is in Break Mode. During this time we are only available Thursdays and Fridays, in each case in the afternoon. by telephone. Outside these times we are best reached by e-mail to reach us.

From Thursday, the 2 May the office will be available again as usual (Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri, preferably in the afternoon). On 3 May we will have our Members' Meeting on the topic ”Hemp and law” will take place (Registration).

We wish all beautiful spring days and a successful start into the new season!

As already mentioned in February, this year's Swiss hemp trade show CannaTrade from 17 to 19 May will take place. The location is like last year the Hall 622, right next to the Zurich-Oerlikon train station - so it's easy to reach by public transport. Besides the numerous stands of exhibitors from all over the world, there will once again be a spacious open-air chill-out area with a wide range of culinary delights. In addition, this year there will again be a comprehensive supporting programme which covers many interests. At this point we would like to mention the Joint Roll Contest and the CannaSwissCup these are only two of many events, including lectures and panel discussions. We from the association Legalize it! will be present again this year with a stand. We would be pleased if you would visit us at booth no. 408 (in the outside tent). If you are looking for new members and collecting donations you are welcome to contact Markus get in touch. cu@#CT19!

Since the number 83 of our magazine Legalize it! mainly consists of the Annual Report and the 2018 accounts, we are already making the entire content available online. Number 84 (June) will then be distributed first, as usual, to the members members first and will only be made available online in the autumn.

If all goes well, our members the latest issue of our magazine, number 83. Legalize it! in the mailbox next week. This will contain the minutes of our general meeting of February 1, with Annual Report We will also make these available online in the near future.

We have also published another issue of our magazine Legalize it! pdf. The issue 82 is now available both as a whole and as individual articles in the areas of Politics, Culture and Scene to Download ready for download. The current issue is still available to our members members only.

On 1 February we held our annual association meeting took place - already for the second time in the Volkshaus Zurich. Nino Forrer did not stand for election again this year and so Sven, Markus and Fabian were elected for a further year as board were elected.
We would like to thank Nino for his many years of commitment to the association and the initiative project! With his enthusiasm and drive, he has brought the demand for a more sensible handling of (THC-rich) hemp back into the conversation throughout Switzerland from 2016. Now we hope the project gets new momentum in the recently founded supporting association and will lead to a successful vote in the next few years.
On 8 February, the somewhat smaller board constituted itself in its first meeting and started the year 2019 further planned. Now we present the Annual Report with financial statements for the Magazine Legalize it! No. 83 and will then also make it available online.

In 100 days, it's Friday at the legendary Swiss hemp trade fair CannaTrade is almost over. From 17 to 19 May we will once again have the opportunity to explore and experience pretty much everything that has to do with hemp. Since the fair is again right next to the train station Zurich-Oerlikon station, it is easy to reach by public transport. Whoever wants to meet us from the association Legalize it! would like to support us at the fair, please contact Markus to get in touch. cu@#CT19!

We have added to our THC and Law section various Penalty Orders and other documents: An astonishingly mild sentence in Thurgau still from 2017, various cases from 2018 (among them also a discontinuation order from Ticino) and an example of an offence.
It is always amazing how many hempseeds cases there were again in 2018. People seem to have forgotten the “clean-up action” of the customs and the subsequent repression wave of spring 2015 have already forgotten again.
Surprisingly often, affected people have ordered from “Sensi Seeds”. After a short break in 2015, these and other seedssuppliers are once again letting their Swiss customers go under the knife. What good does it do people if they get their money back, but are reported for importing illegal narcotics and sometimes even have to endure house searches? In the end, those who are only convicted of a single violation punished… because whoever is punished for a offence is really poor!

Ordering hempseeds, which produces THC-rich plants, often leads to a criminal case!

The contributions of 2018 you can find here, the current here.