ZURICH (Reuters) – Switzerland, which permits low potency cannabis but bans most marijuana for recreational use, aims to allow pilot studies on ways to relax its laws, its government said on Wednesday.
It also proposed making it easier for people to access medical marijuana to treat conditions like multiple sclerosis or cancer.
Cannabis is now regularly used recreationally by about 200,000 people in Switzerland, the government said.
“Although current laws forbid its consumption and seek to punish it, this number is not declining,” the government said. “At the same time, the black market is flourishing, and the safety of consumers cannot be guaranteed due to a lack of quality control.”
Several cities and cantons in Switzerland are seeking to undertake studies to test different models for regulation, said the statement from the seven-member Federal Council, which serves as Switzerland’s government. It recommended changes to laws to allow such pilot studies to proceed.
“The scientific pilot studies would be limited and restricted to specific areas,” the government said. “Participant numbers would also be limited, and minors would be excluded.”
A consultation on…