In March 2023, the city of Zürich embarked on a groundbreaking journey with the launch of “Züri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility.”
As one of Switzerland’s pioneering cannabis pilot projects, Züri Can aims to explore pragmatic approaches to cannabis regulation, prioritizing public health and harm reduction.
With nearly 2000 participants enrolled and the first sales underway, the study is already generating invaluable insights that could revolutionize cannabis policy not just in Switzerland, but worldwide.
A Trio of Dispensary Models At the heart of Züri Can’s innovative design is its three distinct dispensary models, each offering a unique approach to responsible cannabis access and education:
- Pharmacies: Ten local pharmacies serve as dispensaries, drawing on their rich expertise in health counseling to guide participants towards informed choices and lower-risk consumption habits.
- The Drug Information Center (DIZ): As Zürich’s flagship harm reduction hub, the DIZ leverages its extensive experience in cannabis prevention and counseling to provide tailored support and resources.
- Cannabis Social Clubs: In a novel twist, Züri Can features ten non-profit, member-run Cannabis Social Clubs. These community-oriented spaces allow participants to consume cannabis together while engaging in social activities, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
By comparing outcomes across these three models, researchers hope to pinpoint best practices for promoting responsible cannabis use and mitigating potential harms.
It’s a holistic, multi-faceted approach that could redefine the way we think about cannabis regulation.
A Diverse Participant Pool Since launching, Züri Can has attracted a vibrant cross-section of cannabis consumers, reflecting the diversity of Switzerland’s population:
- Gender representation mirrors national trends, with men comprising 73.1% of participants, while still including a significant proportion of women and non-binary individuals.
- The age range spans from 18 to over 65, with 28-32 year-olds forming the largest cohort. The average age of 35 skews slightly older than previous studies, hinting at the broad appeal of regulated access.
- Consumption frequency also varies widely, from occasional monthly use to multiple times per week, enabling researchers to compare patterns and outcomes across different usage levels.
Notably, around a quarter of participants showed indications of problematic use before joining the study. By engaging with knowledgeable staff in a supervised setting, these individuals now have direct access to judgment-free counseling and treatment referrals when needed.
This proactive, compassionate approach exemplifies Züri Can’s commitment to prioritizing participant well-being.
A Curated Selection of Cannabis Products Züri Can’s dispensaries offer participants a thoughtfully designed menu of cannabis options.
When sales began in August 2023, there were five products available, including three flower strains and two hashish varieties. By December, the selection had expanded to nine: five flower strains and four hashish options.
Each product boasts a different THC:CBD ratio and genetic profile, catering to a range of consumer preferences:
Hashish:
- Sour Pollen (20% THC, 5% CBD): Sativa-dominant hybrid
- Lemon Resin (15% THC, 5% CBD): Indica-dominant hybrid
- Jura Gold (20% THC, 5% CBD): Sativa-dominant hybrid
- Grand Marais (15% THC, 10% CBD): Sativa-dominant hybrid
Flower:
- Wedding Cake (20% THC, <1% CBD): Indica-dominant hybrid
- Cairo Dessert (12% THC, <1% CBD): Sativa-dominant hybrid
- Apricot Mimosa (9% THC, 8% CBD): Indica-dominant hybrid
- Super Lemon Haze (15% THC, <1% CBD): Sativa-dominant hybrid
- Sour Diesel (6% THC, 12% CBD): Hybrid
This diverse array allows researchers to track which ratios and chemovars are most popular, informing future policy decisions around product regulations. At the same time, it empowers consumers to explore which options best fit their needs and preferences.
Importantly, all Züri Can products are subject to rigorous quality control measures. The cannabis is cultivated following organic practices for medicinal plants, ensuring a high standard for safety and consistency. However, as a natural product, THC and CBD levels may vary by up to 25%.
By curating a varied yet controlled selection, Züri Can strikes a balance between consumer choice and public health considerations. As the study progresses, this data-driven approach to product offerings could serve as a model for other jurisdictions weighing how to regulate cannabis responsibly.
Encouraging Mindful Consumption
Since launching sales in August 2023, Züri Can’s dispensaries have logged approximately 16,500 transactions, distributing around 140kg of cannabis in 5-gram increments. But the study’s impact extends far beyond these impressive figures.
The backbone of Züri Can’s success lies in its highly trained dispensary staff, who are equipped to provide personalized guidance on safer consumption practices.
By cultivating trusting relationships with participants over time, they foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to discuss their habits openly, enabling early identification of potentially worrisome patterns.
This proactive, harm reduction-oriented approach marks a dramatic departure from prohibition, which often drives cannabis use underground and impedes access to support services.
Instead, Züri Can brings cannabis into the light, wielding regulation, education, and destigmatization as powerful tools for positive change. If successful, this compassionate, evidence-based model could inspire a new era of socially-conscious cannabis policies worldwide.
The Promise of a Brighter Future for Cannabis
Although Züri Can has already made significant strides, in many ways, the study is just beginning. As enrollment expands to 2,100 participants, researchers will continue to meticulously track patterns in health outcomes, behavioral changes, crime rates, and beyond.
In the coming months and years, expect illuminating insights on the comparative effectiveness of different dispensary models and their impact on mitigating cannabis-related harms. Züri Can will also yield valuable data on consumer preferences, price sensitivity, and the economic implications of legalization.
Perhaps most excitingly, the study’s findings could catalyze a global shift towards evidence-based cannabis policies. By rigorously testing its hypotheses and transparently sharing the results, Züri Can equips policymakers with the knowledge needed to craft nuanced regulations that prioritize public health and social equity.
As our understanding of responsible cannabis use deepens, we may witness a gradual transition away from criminalization and towards a more balanced, compassionate approach—one that recognizes the complex realities of substance use and seeks to minimize harm rather than inflict punishment.
By boldly embracing science and empathy, Zürich is illuminating a path towards a more just and healthy future.
