In Switzerland, a groundbreaking three-year scientific initiative known as "Züri Can - Responsible Consumption" is underway. This unique experiment involves a control group of 2,100 individuals who have been granted legal access to marijuana under specific conditions. The primary objective of this project is to delve into various strategies for regulating the supply and use of cannabis. During a press conference, officials from the Zurich city council elaborated on their mission, which centers on ensuring the quality of cannabis products and reducing potential risks for active marijuana users.
However, there are dissenting voices against the experiment, claiming that it may be ill-timed and could potentially exacerbate more severe cases of drug addiction among local residents. Moreover, the prevalence of marijuana use among adolescents and young adults is a concern, with current data indicating that one in ten young Swiss individuals aged 15 to 24 has experimented with marijuana at least once.
But who is eligible to participate in this pioneering project? The eligibility criteria and specifics of cannabis provision have been meticulously outlined. Only adult residents of Zurich who can demonstrate regular cannabis use (confirmed through positive drug tests) are eligible to partake in the experiment. It is important to note that the study's primary focus is on overseeing the quality and consumption patterns of cannabis among active users, rather than endorsing or encouraging marijuana use. Women of childbearing age are required to provide a negative pregnancy test, and certain professionals, such as drivers and pilots, are strictly prohibited from participating.
Currently, the project boasts a membership of 1,200 individuals, with approximately 80 percent being men aged between 25 and 35. To gain entry into the project, prospective participants must complete a registration process, undergo an interview, and submit the necessary documentation. Upon their initial purchase, participants receive a specially designated registration card, which comes with a daily limit of 10 grams of cannabis.
It is reassuring to know that the project places a strong emphasis on safeguarding the personal data of its participants. All information collected is encrypted and anonymized, ensuring that the research team only has access to a list of codes devoid of any names or surnames.
The Swiss commitment to quality extends to every facet of this groundbreaking initiative:
- Two local producers, holding exclusive THC cultivation permits, are responsible for supplying the "scientific" cannabis.
- Marijuana distribution points encompass nine pharmacies in Zurich, six social clubs, and the city's Information Center for Narcotic Substances, all of which are equipped with secure storage facilities.
- The cost of "state hashish" is competitively priced, akin to black market rates, with prices ranging from 7 to 9 Swiss francs (approximately 7 to 10 euros), depending on the specific product.
Notably, Zurich features "social clubs," nonprofit organizations authorized to procure and distribute cannabis to their members as part of this study. Members are also permitted to consume cannabis within the club premises, fostering social interaction and promoting safe consumption practices. This multifaceted approach underscores Switzerland's commitment to exploring responsible cannabis use within a controlled framework.
