Introduction
Is CBD legal in Switzerland? Many people who have heard about the positive properties of cannabidiol (CBD) or have already had their first experiences with it ask themselves this question. In fact, Switzerland is considered relatively liberal compared to other European countries when it comes to CBD products. However, the legal regulations are more complex than they appear at first glance.
In this article you will learn everything you need to know about CBD in Switzerlandincluding the 1%-THC Limit sowie relevanten Hinweisen für Händler und Konsumenten. Ob Sie neugierig sind, ob CBD oil Switzerland legal is available or whether you are wondering what the legal situation regarding CBD flowers and vapes looks like - here you will find a detailed overview.
Quick Facts: Is CBD legal in Switzerland?
THC limit: In der Schweiz dürfen CBD-Produkte maximal 1 % THC enthalten. Alles darüber gilt als Betäubungsmittel und fällt unter das Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BetmG).
Rechtslage von CBD: Der Wirkstoff CBD (Cannabidiol) selbst ist nicht als Betäubungsmittel eingestuft, solange der THC-Grenzwert eingehalten wird.
Cosmetics: CBD darf in Kosmetika grundsätzlich verwendet werden, sofern das Produkt die EU-Cosmetic-Ingredients-Datenbank (CosIng) einhält, die Sicherheitsbewertung (CPNP) vorliegt und keine pharmakologische Wirkung beworben wird.
Deklaration & Kennzeichnung: Produkte müssen klar deklariert sein – insbesondere bezüglich Verwendungszweck (z. B. Aromaartikel, Räucherwerk, Gebrauchsgegenstand) and THC content. Irreführende oder gesundheitsbezogene Angaben sind verboten.
Werbung & Gesundheitsclaims: Aussagen über eine medizinische oder therapeutische Wirkung sind untersagt, ausser für zugelassene Arzneimittel.
Age restrictions: Mit Inkrafttreten des neuen Tabakproduktegesetzes (TabPG) gilt für den Verkauf von CBD-Produkten in der gesamten Schweiz eine verbindliche Altersgrenze von 18 Jahren.
Import & Vertrieb: Beim Import gelten die Vorschriften der Eidgenössischen Zollverwaltung und des BLV. Produkte müssen den Schweizer Vorgaben entsprechen; andernfalls drohen Rückhaltungen oder Vernichtung.
Onlinehandel: Für den Versandhandel gelten dieselben rechtlichen Anforderungen wie für den stationären Verkauf. Anbieter müssen sicherstellen, dass Deklaration, THC-Gehalt und Zweckbestimmung korrekt sind.
Kontrollen & Analysen: Behörden können jederzeit Stichproben und Laboranalysen durchführen. Verstösse (z. B. zu hoher THC-Gehalt, falsche Deklaration) führen in der Regel zu Verkaufsverbot oder Rückrufen.
The legal basis: Why 1% THC limit?
In most EU countries, the THC limit for legal cannabis products is 0.2-0.3%. Switzerland takes a much more liberal approach and allows up to 1% THC. The reason for this is a national regulation that aims to authorise non-psychoactive (or barely psychoactive) products, while at the same time preventing the abuse of cannabis containing THC.
- Legal status:
- CBD is considered a non-intoxicating substance and is therefore not classified as a narcotic.
- Cannabis with over 1% THC, on the other hand, falls under the Narcotics Act (BTMG) and is prohibited.
This created the special situation that CBD Switzerland legal can be found in many forms on the market as long as the THC content remains below the 1% mark.
What applies to CBD flowers in Switzerland?
CBD Flowers are a popular form of consuming cannabidiol. The same applies here: As long as the THC content is below 1%the flowers are generally permitted in Switzerland and can be purchased legally.
- Intended use:
- CBD flowers are usually sold for smoking or vaporising.
- As Ingredient for food (e.g. tea, biscuits), however, marketing is Not permittedas this would be subject to food law and CBD does not yet have a corresponding authorisation.
Quality and purity
Consumers should always High-quality, tested flowers. Poor storage or contamination can be harmful to health. If you would like to find out more, you will find detailed information in a separate guide on Appearance, odour and consistency high-quality CBD flowers.
What is the situation with CBD hash in Switzerland?
Analogue to CBD flowers is CBD Hash with less than 1% THC legal. The same principles apply: No sale as food, but as a raw material or smoked product. Here too, consumers should attach importance to product tests, laboratory analyses and transparency on the part of the retailer.
Why are CBD foods (e.g. CBD gummies) banned?
Novel Food & International Law
CBD gummies and others Foods containing CBD are considered to be "non-hazardous" according to EU and Swiss Novel Foodwhich require authorisation. No authorisations have been granted to date, which is why the products cannot be legally sold.
International agreements
In addition, the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961which Switzerland has signed together with many other countries. In order not to violate this agreement, cannabis cannot be legalised for food without further ado.
ExceptionPilot projects or research programmes that are specifically approved.
CBD in cosmetics: allowed or grey area?
CBD cosmetics are legally available in Switzerland. Certain requirements must be met:
- Extraction of CBD from the leaves and stems of the hemp plant (not from flowers).
- None or only a negligible amount of THC (most authorities assume 0% THC in cosmetics).
The categorisation of such products is at the discretion of the cantonal enforcement authorities. Those who develop cosmetics with CBD often have to submit extensive documentation to ensure legally compliant marketing.
Are CBD vapes legal in Switzerland?
CBD Vapes primarily fall under the category of e-cigarettes or vaporiser products. In principle, the following applies:
- THC limit of 1% must not be exceeded.
- Depending on the marketing, different laws (e.g. on tobacco or chemical products) may apply.
Many Swiss shops stock CBD Liquids or Vape pens completely legal. However, the correct THC content and a legally compliant declaration must be ensured.
Age restriction: Is there a minimum age for CBD consumption?
Seit Inkrafttreten des Tabakproduktegesetzes (TabPG) gilt in der ganzen Schweiz eine gesetzlich verbindliche Altersgrenze von 18 Jahren für den Verkauf sämtlicher Produkte, die zum Rauchen, Verdampfen oder oralen Konsum von Hanf bzw. Hanfderivaten (wie CBD) bestimmt sind. Diese Regelung betrifft sowohl den stationären Handel als auch den Onlineverkauf. Händler sind verpflichtet, beim Verkauf oder Versand geeignete Alterskontrollen durchzuführen.
Auch wir sind daher verpflichtet, eine Alterskontrolle durchzuführen.
Kundinnen und Kunden müssen beim Bestellvorgang ihr Geburtsdatum angeben, und an Personen unter 18 Jahren werden bei uns keine Rauchwaren oder verwandte Produkte verkauft.
Is there an upper limit for the CBD content in products?
Currently exists none There is no legally defined limit for the CBD content per se. The decisive factor is always the THC value.
- In certain product categories (e.g. cosmetics) it is recommended to select the CBD content in such a way that no pharmacological effect is suspected.
- The Safety and quality control are the responsibility of the manufacturers and dealers.
What do shops that sell CBD need to consider?
Various regulations apply to retailers (both online and stationary):
- Compliance with the 1% limit value for THC.
- Product safetyRegular laboratory analyses, proof of purity and quality.
- Correct declaration:
- No health-related promises (Therapeutic Products Act!).
- No misleading information on the intake of products that are not authorised as foodstuffs.
- AdvertisingNo promotional healing claims or unauthorised promises ("heals pain", "effective against depression" etc.).
- Age restriction Kein Verkauf an Personen unter 18 Jahren.
Are you allowed to advertise CBD and make healing promises in Switzerland?
Here the Therapeutic Products Act:
- None Promises of cure or medical assurances if no corresponding medicinal product is authorised.
- Statements such as "relieves pain" or "helps against anxiety" are legally problematic.
Conclusion: CBD legal in Switzerland - but complex details
- Consumers can rest assured: Swiss CBD Products with a maximum of 1% THC are authorised in Switzerland. legal and their possession is not a criminal offence.
- Caution when crossing the border: Other countries often have stricter THC limits, which can lead to problems.
- Dealer & Manufacturer must comply with a large number of regulations, ranging from the Narcotics Act to food and cosmetics legislation. Careful labelling and transparent communication are crucial here.
- Important for consumers: When choosing CBD products on quality, Seriousness and Transparency. This is the only way to ensure that no prohibited residues are contained and that the THC content actually remains below 1%.
Further links & tips
- Enforcement aid from Swissmedic: Products with cannabidiol (CBD) - Overview
- Guide to buying CBD oils: What should you look out for?
- Guide to high-quality CBD flowers: How do you recognise premium quality?
Concluding words
Switzerland is showing its CBD legality a progressive approach that seems very generous by European standards. Nevertheless, some aspects remain complicated, especially for shops that want to market their products in a legally compliant manner. For consumers, this means above all that they must Still legal to buy CBD be it in the form of CBD flowers, flavour oils, vapes or cosmetics.
So if you're wondering, "Is CBD legal in Switzerland?" or "Is CBD legal in Switzerland?"receives a clear answer: Yesas long as the THC content 1% does not exceed. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a close look at your trusted provider in order to quality and Purity ensure.
