Europe Moves Ahead – How Switzerland and the Netherlands are Leading on Cannabis Regulation

Switzerland: From Pilot Projects to a National Cannabis Law 

For over a year now, pilot projects have been running in several Swiss cities to test regulated cannabis distribution. Initial results, recently published by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), provide insights into user behavior and how the projects are being implemented (link to results). Now, Switzerland is taking the next step: In February, the National Council’s Committee for Social Security and Health (SGK-N) presented a draft bill for the comprehensive regulation of cannabis, with a strong focus on public health and youth protection. 

Under the proposal, adults would be allowed to legally consume, grow, and purchase cannabis under clearly defined conditions. Sales would be strictly state-controlled and non-profit, with neutral packaging, health warnings, and a THC-based regulatory tax. The cantons would be responsible for oversight and prevention programs. The next step: a detailed explanatory report will be published in summer, followed by a public consultation with stakeholders and associations. This would pave the way for formal legislative proceedings. 

The Netherlands: A Legal Supply Chain to Replace the Grey Zone 

At the same time, all eyes are on the Netherlands, where the final phase of the “Experiment gesloten coffeeshopketen” (closed coffee shop supply chain experiment) began on April 7, 2025. In participating municipalities, coffee shops are now allowed to sell only regulated, legally produced cannabis. Until now, cannabis sales have been tolerated, but its production remained illegal — a contradiction the experiment aims to resolve. The goal is to establish a fully closed, government-monitored supply chain that ensures product safety and weakens the black market. 

To help ensure a stable supply, especially of hashish, a temporary grace period has been introduced: for the first two months, authorities will not penalize shops that still rely on unregulated hash. By June, only legally regulated products will be allowed. The entire project is accompanied by an independent scientific study evaluating its impact on public health, crime, safety, and public order. 

What Europe Can Learn 

A clear pattern is emerging in both countries: a pragmatic approach to cannabis policy that acknowledges social realities while prioritizing control, prevention, and consumer safety. In the Netherlands, producers are given time to scale up, while Switzerland is building on the experience from its pilot programs to draft a sustainable national policy. 

What lessons can Germany draw from this? First, that regulation is feasible — when planned and implemented thoughtfully. Second, that Europe is slowly but surely moving away from blanket prohibition. Instead, real-world models are being developed to show how responsible cannabis regulation can work. Switzerland and the Netherlands are showing the way. It’s time for Germany to take a closer look — and stop delaying the next phase of its own cannabis policy. 

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