From 1 August, Swiss citizens will be able to have their cannabis prescribed by their doctor. This is clear after the government on Wednesday made the formal decision to legalize the drug for medical use.
Cannabis can ease the suffering of those living with chronic pain, including people sick with cancer or MS, the government writes.
Selling or consuming cannabis in any other way will still be illegal.
The Swiss parliament gave the green light for the law change in March 2021.
Previously, a special exemption from the Ministry of Health was required for a patient to receive cannabis-based medication on prescription from his doctor. Demand for such exemptions has increased in recent years.
“Excessive bureaucracy should not stand in the way of sick people needing access to medicine,” the ministry said in a statement.