CBD in Switzerland – Swiss are Progressive on CBD


CBD is legal in Switzerland, as well as in other European countries. So, what makes the Swiss so different? Their legal definition of the percentage of THC allowed in CBD products is the reason.


In Switzerland, CBD products for consumption, cultivation, and commercialization allow for a THC content of 1%. This is one of the most generous amounts in Europe. In other words, if a cannabis plant contains less than 1% of THC, it is considered legal. If cannabis plants contain more than 1% THC, they are illegal. Consider that in most European countries, allowable levels of THC are only 0.2%!


The Swiss have the 1% allowance because this enables a plant to grow longer, reaching its full potential. The plant has a longer growing time, which can result in the best CBD possible.


However, in other parts of Europe that have the 0.2% threshold, it means farmers must cut the plan sooner. This may lead to lower amounts of cannabinoids. This leads to lower medicinal benefits that are found in more mature plants.


What’s more, the Swiss have progress laws that govern CBD consumption. This makes it easier for businesses to understand the laws while ensuring their operations and products fall within the Swiss regulations on CBD products.


The Swiss government is actively supporting the industry, too, by contributing and encouraging sustainable growth within a regulated environment.
Swiss laws are clear on what’s illegal, which is the commercialization, use, production, or production of cannabis that contains more than 1% THC. Any individual or business that crosses this line will still face penalties.

There are also other rules that govern the use of CBD products:

  • An individual must be at least 18 years of age to buy CBD products
  • Businesses are not allowed to make promises on the healing and medicinal benefits of cannabis products
  • Driving a car under the influence of CBD is not allowed (there is a 1.5 microgram per liter of blood limit)

 

The State of Medical Cannabis in Switzerland


The medical use of cannabis is not as developed as in other countries. However, in July 2011, the country passed a regulation that allows doctors to prescribe medical cannabis only if the patient has a special permit from the Federal Office of Public Health.


Patients who have this license are able to buy cannabis products such as cannabis oils, tinctures, or synthetically manufactured products (such as dronabinol). The law, however, does not permit the use of flowers or resins at this time.


This specialized permit is usually only granted to individuals who are critically ill. And the cases must be evaluated one at a time. So, the process is slow, and there’s no guarantee the patient will be approved to use cannabis products.


However, when it comes to hemp products, Switzerland is one of the most progressive European countries to allow its use.


Hemp Cultivation – No License Required


The production of hemp in Switzerland was legalized back in August 2016. However, the hemp plant must contain no more than 1% THC. No license is needed to legally cultivate CBD that meets these criteria. So, it’s possible for almost anyone to grow CBD hemp plants at home.
This is one of the reasons many companies choose Switzerland as a passageway to enter the European market. A cultivation license is not required, which means you can get to work growing CBD hemp plants right away.

 

Cannabidiol Products: Supplements, Cosmetics, or Cigarettes Can be Bought in Switzerland


It’s relatively easy to buy CBD in Switzerland, and there are plenty of shops available! It’s even possible to buy CBD products online, as well as in convenience stores, private kiosks, petrol stations, and even some markets.
You’ll find a wide range of CBD products available, too, which includes:

  • CBD oil/tinctures
  • Capsules
  • Cosmetics
  • Food supplements
  • Topicals
  • Vaporizers
  • Cigarettes


Switzerland is the first country to develop CBD cigarettes to replace traditional cigarettes. These cigarettes contain high-cannabidiol flowers and are apparently successful in replacing tobacco cigarettes in people who smoke.


Now, keep in mind that any type of smoking is not healthy, which can include CBD cigarettes. In Switzerland, CBD cigarettes must contain the same warnings and images that declare smoking is bad for your health.

 

Selling CBD Products in Switzerland


Anyone going into the business of selling CBD products is required to have the proper legal status to open a store. While there is no specific CBD license for Switzerland, it’s still necessary to set up your store legally. This means obtaining the necessary permits and more.


In addition, a CBD shop will need to pay all relevant taxes; however, there are some specific taxes. For instance, CBD products that can be smoked must pay the tobacco tax. And all CBD products must contain no more than 1% THC.


This means that cannabis plants and products, which don’t go over the 1% THC limit, can be legally imported and sold in Switzerland.


See our varieties of CBD Flower.

 

Shipping CBD Products from Switzerland to Other Parts of Europe


Shipping CBD products from Switzerland to other parts of Europe is legal as long as the THC limits are met. Remember that European countries stipulate that CBD products contain no more than 0.2% THC. This means CBD products that meet these regulations are legal to ship to those countries.


When going into the CBD business, it’s essential to know the laws of countries where you plan to sell Swiss CBD products. Another thing to be aware of is that Switzerland is not an EU member. For this reason, shipments to other European member states may be retained in customs until VAT is paid. For instance, this can happen when shipping CBD from Switzerland to Germany.


So, as a responsible CBD product seller, know the rules and the legislations of the countries you plan to ship to.

by | Sep 10, 2021 | Industry News | 0 comments

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