By Anthony Herrold

Feb. 16, 2015

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 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!

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