Due to Insufficient Youth Protection, the Blue Cross Rejects the Proposed Cannabis Law

The Blue Cross welcomes the non-commercialization of cannabis products as well as the control of their cultivation, production, and sale.

Inadequate Youth Protection

The Blue Cross acknowledges that the parliamentary committee aimed to protect the youth with three important measures: age of distribution set at 18, advertising ban, and plain packaging. These three measures are part of a standard repertoire that should apply to all psychoactive substances. However, they are by far not sufficient.

Prevention and Counseling for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

There is a lack of effective measures especially for protecting minors and young adults up to their mid-20s: particularly nationwide campaigns to inform about and raise awareness of the health and social dangers and risks of this drug. This also includes programs for personality strengthening. Additionally, there needs to be a comprehensive network for early detection and intervention to prevent or at least contain damages caused by cannabis consumption. Young adults, in particular, should have access to nationwide psycho-social counseling services.

A Cannabis Tax for Cannabis Prevention

The necessary prevention measures will cost the cantons millions. These expenses should be covered by a tax on the products. High prices also act as a purchasing deterrent for children, adolescents, and young adults who do not yet have their own income. The tax must also fully finance an annual consumption monitoring.

No Online Sales

Research on legal drugs such as tobacco and alcohol has shown that an increase in availability leads to an increase in consumption and, therefore, an increase in damages. The round-the-clock availability of psychoactive substances through online shopping should be rejected.

No Smoking Near Children and Adolescents

Current non-smoker protection is already insufficient. The law for protection against passive smoking must be massively expanded. Neither cannabis nor tobacco should be consumed in the presence of children and adolescents. All public and publicly accessible indoor spaces, as well as outdoor areas, particularly of restaurants and bars, bus stops, and around train stations, should be considered.

Awaiting the Pilot Projects

The Blue Cross supports their position to evaluate cannabis pilot projects and politically discuss the results. It is an affront by the parliamentary majority not to wait for these pilot project results. An affront against all participants in these pilot projects and against those who trusted the promise of the parliament to first conduct the pilot projects and then discuss cannabis legalization based on them.

Zero Increase Objective

The goal of the law must mainly be that cannabis consumption does not expand but remains at a socially acceptable and health-compatible level. A cannabis-free life should be aimed at as the norm for children and adolescents.

Why Youth Protection is So Important

Many psychoactive substances have a stronger impact on young people as long as their brains are still maturing. The maturation process averages completion in the mid-20s. For some people, it takes even longer. Additionally, some psychoactive substances affect brain development by potentially slowing it down or hindering it. Cannabis is among these substances. To put it simply, some consumers get stuck in puberty.

Contact: Martin Bienlein, Media Spokesperson, 079 228 96 04

Blue Cross Switzerland, Lindenrain 5, 3012 Bern

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