Switzerland Advances Bill to Legalize Marijuana, Referendum Likely is better.

The National Council’s Health Committee (SGK-N) has endorsed a proposal that would legalize marijuana for adults under strict regulations. The measure would allow sales through licensed shops and controlled online platforms, with a special tax earmarked for public health and addiction treatment programs. All sales would be nonprofit, and advertising would be banned. Adults would also be allowed to cultivate up to three female plants at home, a move supporters say could help reduce demand on the illicit market. Shops would be required to provide educational materials and offer safer consumption methods like vaporizers. Driving under the influence would still be prohibited under a zero-tolerance policy.

While current Swiss law does not punish possession of small amounts, recreational use remains illegal. Despite that, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance in the country, fueling calls for a legal framework focused on harm reduction rather than punishment.

The draft law also includes stricter penalties for unlicensed cultivation and sales to deter black-market activity.

Now that the committee has signed off on the proposal, a three-month public consultation will begin at the end of August. After that, the government will revise the bill based on feedback and send it to the Federal Council, followed by debates in the National Council and Council of States.

Even if lawmakers approve the plan, a final decision may fall to voters. Several conservative parties have vowed to force a referendum, making it likely the public will have the final say on legalizing marijuana in Switzerland.