A recreational cannabis trial in Switzerland, known as Weed-Care, has revealed encouraging results regarding mental health. The pilot study, which is currently underway, shows that participants who accessed legally obtainable cannabis for recreational use reported improved mental health outcomes and a decrease in addiction-related issues.
Conducted in Basel, northwest Switzerland, the Weed-Care trial involves 300 cannabis consumers over the age of 18. These participants were already cannabis users prior to joining the study. They are allowed to purchase cannabis through regulated pharmacies that are part of the Weed-Care initiative.
The cannabis products available to participants are free from pesticides and synthetic cannabinoids, with clear labeling of active ingredient percentages, including THC and CBD. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has approved all products, which are priced between CHF 8 and CHF 12 (£7 and £7.50) per gram.
Results from the trial indicate that participants experienced lower levels of depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors. Notably, there was no increase in the frequency of cannabis use nor in the total amount consumed. Researchers found that participants had consumed 87 kg of cannabis, valued at CHF 900,000 (£788,800), with nearly one-third of the products containing a lower THC level of 13%, which is significantly less than the average THC level found in the Swiss black market.
The Weed-Care trial is the first of its kind in Switzerland, and it has inspired similar studies in other areas, including the Züri Can pilot in Zurich, the country’s largest city. This initiative began in September 2022 after Swiss Parliament approved a law in 2020 that allows cannabis pilot programs for research purposes, with the trial set to continue until September 2027.
