How to regulate cannabis – The Zurich approach
As in many other countries, the regulation of cannabis is currently the subject of intense debate in Switzerland. In 2021, a national legislation was passed allowing scientific studies that examine the regulated sale of cannabis. The practical experience and scientific evidence from these studies are intended to guide the discussion on new legal regulation of cannabis.
As of August 2023, the city of Zurich is uniquely providing 2,100 study participants with legal access to cannabis through three different points of sale: pharmacies, cannabis social clubs, and the Drug Information Center of Zurich. The focus of the observational study Züri Can is on non-profit approaches oriented towards supporting positive individual and public health outcomes. Those outcomes are assessed by online surveys which will be completed by participants at baseline and every six months after the first purchase. The questionnaires assess, among other things, their cannabis use, mental and physical health, and use competency.
Harm reduction was firmly established as a key principle in the design of the study at several levels, from the inclusion and exclusion criteria to the multi-stage screening of participants and targeted training for sales staff, among other things. In addition, study participants receive free medical advice from medical experts for the entire duration of the study.
The workshop will discuss how this project was implemented in praxis; the development of the project strategy, key factors for effective cooperation between the various stakeholder groups, and obstacles faced on the way to the successful launch of the study.
Speakers
· Barbara Burri, City Health Services, project manager
· Dr. Carlos Nordt, University of Zurich/Psychiatric University Clinic, study manager
· Dr. Maximilian Buschner, University of Zurich/Psychiatric University Clinic, study doctor
· Representative Social Clubs (tbd)
· Representative Pharmacies (tbd)
