Pilot Project on Non-Profit Cannabis Sales / Project Cann-L: Promising Interim Results

"The results of the Cann-L project are very positive. Not only have we diverted two million francs from the illegal market and now account for 20% of the consumption in Lausanne, but we also contribute to the health protection of participating individuals," enthuses Émilie Moeschler, City Councillor for Sport and Social Cohesion. "Given this background, I thank the members of the federal parliament for kindly considering the draft federal law on cannabis products, as it is partly based on the model we have adopted." Pierre-Antoine Hildbrand, City Councillor for Security and Economy, adds: "Many people are sceptical of this model, so I invite them to take an interest in our project. Aside from its considerable impact on the illegal market, Cann-L allows us to better address cannabis consumption.

Declining Consumption

The Cann-L sales outlet was opened in December 2023 in the centre of Lausanne. The more than 1,750 participants come from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. At enrolment, they were aged between 18 and 79 years (average age 36 years), with the majority being men (75%) and individuals in employment (68%) or training (11%). Regarding cannabis consumption, 72% had been consuming for more than 10 years, and 50% did so daily or almost daily at the time of enrolment.

Follow-up of a first cohort of 670 participants who have been part of the project for at least 18 months shows they have reduced their cannabis consumption by an average of 20%. This downturn affects all age groups and is particularly pronounced among those consuming most. Moreover, around a hundred participants have contacted a doctor to discuss their consumption, and 130 have purchased a vaporiser to try to reduce the risks associated with smoking cannabis.

Less Potent Products than on the Black Market

A recent study on the illegal market in the Canton of Vaud shows that cannabis flowers currently purchased there contain 14.5% THC, while resin averages more than 32%. In both cases, the products sold by Cann-L are less potent (in 2025, an average of 12.5% and 17.5%) and participants are also offered other products that pose a lower risk to the respiratory tract, such as oils or e-liquids.

A Reduced Illegal Market and Legal Revenue

Cann-L's cannabis sales account for about 20% of estimated consumption in Lausanne and have already diverted at least two million francs in revenue from the illegal market. Several jobs have been created both directly and indirectly, and in 2025, more than 60,000 francs in VAT will flow into the federal coffers, while 300,000 francs in revenue can be used for local prevention or research activities.

A Model for Future Cannabis Regulation?

Cann-L implements a non-profit, health protection-focused sales model, as envisaged by the draft Cannabis Products Act (CanPG), which is currently being debated in the federal councils. The results of the Lausanne pilot trial demonstrate that this legislation is feasible, but also that it offers levers and achieves effects that the current ban on cannabis often does not allow. "With Cann-L we have always aimed to support the ongoing deliberations in Bern. Therefore, we invite the federal authorities to consider our findings to improve the situation related to cannabis in Switzerland," explains Tania Séverin, Director of Addiction Switzerland.

An Application for Extension and Open Registrations

Based on the results and insights from the project, the managers of Cann-L have applied to the FOPH for an extension until mid-2029 in order to explore other aspects related to cannabis consumption and its regulation. The project will thus continue for a few more years, and registrations remain open to adult residents of Lausanne who already consume cannabis.

Press Contact:
Frank Zobel, Deputy Director, Addiction Switzerland, Tel. +41 79 859 67 21
Émilie Moeschler, City Councillor, Directorate of Sport and Social Cohesion, Tel. +41 21 315 42 00
Pierre-Antoine Hildbrand, City Councillor, Directorate of Security and Economy, Tel. +41 79 964 27 39
Salomé Donzallaz, Head of Addiction Department, Tel. +41 21 315 71 40

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Sucht Schweiz