Cansativa Expert Dialogue: An Interview with Aline Gralke

1. What is Grashaus Projects, and who is behind it?

Grashaus Projects is a pilot initiative in the Swiss canton of Baselland, designed to study the legal distribution of cannabis and its impact on participants’ health and well-being. The project aims to determine whether legal cannabis distribution, combined with professional advice through our retail model, can promote safer use. We operate two dispensaries in Allschwil and Liestal, with space for up to 4,000 participants—about 1,000 have registered so far. The study, running for up to five years, has specific criteria for participation: participants must live in Baselland, be of legal age, meet certain health requirements, and already be regular cannabis users. The project is supported by the Sanity Group in collaboration with the Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF) in Zurich, , which is responsible for the scientific part of the project. Importantly, the project is non-profit, with all proceeds reinvested in cannabis research or addiction prevention or donated.

2. What are the goals of the project?

The Grashaus Project, like the other Swiss pilot projects, seeks to explore whether and how legalization in Switzerland can create value. The goal is to test different models of legal cannabis distribution, scientifically monitor participants’ consumption data, and prioritize consumer protection and harm reduction. Additionally, we aim to promote safer use and destigmatize cannabis, moving it out of the “taboo” category and integrating it as a normal part of society. We hope to support a responsible and value-driven approach to legalization.

3. What challenges did you encounter during implementation?

The biggest challenge was working with the authorities, particularly the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), as our key stakeholders. The approval process was lengthy and required a lot of patience due to numerous questions and adjustments. This can be a significant hurdle, especially for smaller organizations with limited resources. Gaining acceptance within the local community was also crucial, and we had to work hard to garner support. Additionally, reaching potential participants has been challenging, given the strict rules on how the study can be communicated.

Another aspect we’ve observed is that the pricing of the products can be a challenge and is not always seen as an attractive alternative to the illegal market. Some consumers find the prices too high, especially compared to cheaper offers from dealers who often provide bulk discounts. Such pricing promotions are not possible in our studies, as they could encourage consumption. The higher prices are partly due to higher production costs and the fact that only a few domestic growers are licensed, limiting the selection. It’s also challenging to introduce new products into the study, which restricts product variety. Many cannabis enthusiasts enjoy trying new strains, and due to the pricing and limited selection, some participants may turn back to the illegal market.

4. What initial insights or trends have you observed?

After the first six months, we conducted an interim evaluation. We found that participants previously consumed cannabis from illegal sources on 20 days per month, but now it’s down to 10 days—a halving of illegal use, which we see as a positive trend. Interestingly, flower consumption is slightly declining, while the use of extracts has increased by 50%, which is positive as these products are not smoked and fall under safer use products. High-THC products remain the most popular, likely due to habits from the illegal market, where high THC levels are often advertised but rarely achieved.

5. What learnings could be valuable for Germany’s legalization efforts once model projects are allowed there?

What has been done well and what Germany should definitely adopt is the testing of various distribution models. In Germany, this could be done through social clubs, pharmacies, specialty stores, and possibly even consumption lounges, similar to coffee shops—something that is not possible in our pilot project. This approach would best identify which models most effectively promote education, safer use, and consumer protection.

I also hope that Germany, like Switzerland, allows not only the sale of flowers and hashish but also edibles, oral extracts, vape pens, and possibly products like rosin, which are currently not permitted in Switzerland. The demand is there: many people want to try alternative consumption methods, move away from tobacco, and use products that are gentler on their lungs.

Another point is the sourcing of products. In Switzerland, all products come from licensed domestic growers, which limits the selection since imports are not allowed. To create a viable alternative to the illegal market, Germany should allow more flexibility, whether through the import of cannabis from international producers or by making it easier for smaller growers to obtain licenses. This would increase product variety and enhance the attractiveness of legal offerings.

Another positive aspect is the enrollment process for the study. I believe it’s very important to establish and verify participation criteria because, at the end of the day, it’s about protecting and prioritizing the health of the participants.

Anything else?

Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@cansativa.de. If you are interested in revolutionising the cannabis industry with us, then stay tuned and follow our briefings!

We wish you a good read!

With legalising greetings,