“By Patients For Patients”: Zürich Hosts First Patient-Led Medical Cannabis Event
- We, The Patients will host its first event in Switzerland on 1 March at the Resident Zürich Seefeld, providing patients a platform to share experiences and access information and support on the medical use of cannabis.
- Expert speakers will discuss the possibilities and challenges of using cannabis for chronic and degenerative neurological diseases, with a focus on diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.
- The event will feature speakers such as Franziska Quadri, Dr Franjo Grotenhermen, Simon Winistörfer, and Dr Nicolai Berardi, who will cover topics ranging from patient advocacy to legal frameworks and prescribing practices.
- Despite recent changes to Swiss laws allowing for easier access to medical cannabis, many patients still face challenges in accessing the products they need due to cost and availability, highlighting the need for events like We, The Patients.
Following a successful launch in Madrid in October, We, The Patients, will host its first event in Switzerland on 1 March at the Resident Zürich Seefeld.
The free event offers patients a platform to share their experiences, as well as accessing crucial information and mutual support around the use of cannabis as a medicine.
A line-up of expert speakers will highlight the possibilities and challenges of the medical use of cannabis for chronic and degenerative neurological diseases.
Franziska Quadri, President of Swiss-based patient group, MEDCAN (Medical Cannabis Verein Schweiz), and a cannabis patient herself, will open the event with an introduction to the We, The Patients initiative.
She will be joined by renowned German cannabis expert, Dr Franjo Grotenhermen, who will discuss the therapeutic use of cannabis in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
Vice President of MEDCAN, Simon Winistörfer, will share his personal experience of multiple sclerosis and medical cannabis treatment, while Dr Nicolai Berardi, will shed light on the legal framework and explain the path from diagnosis to prescription.
In August 2022 the Swiss Federal Narcotics Act was amended to allow doctors to prescribe cannabis without needing to apply for a government permit first.
However, access remains restrictive with awareness and understanding of cannabis among the medical profession remaining low.
Swiss patient numbers are thought to be under 10,000, with many still struggling to access the products they need due to cost and availability.
“Unfortunately, it is still difficult to find support from medical professionals in Switzerland if you want to treat yourself with cannabis,” explains Quadri.
“We want to offer those affected the opportunity to find out about the medical use of cannabis.”
We, The Patients was launched in 2024 out of a desire to empower patients and address an unmet need with access to free events and information.
The Resident Zurich Seefeld will be open to patients, relatives and other interested parties from 12pm -4pm on 1 March, 2025.