CBD: what you need to know about legal cannabis
There’s decaf coffee, alcohol-free beer – and cannabis without THC. But what exactly is CBD? Comparis answers key questions about legal cannabis.
08.12.2021
iStock/LPETTET
1. What is CBD?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol. CBD is one of over 80 active chemical ingredients found in hemp plants. The most well-known component of cannabis is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD and THC do not differ in terms of appearance or smell. What is different, however, is the effect on your central nervous system: while CBD has a soothing effect, THC is an intoxicant. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effect and is not subject to the Narcotics Act. There is no legally established limit for CBD content – it is always the THC content that is decisive. Cannabis with a THC content of less than 1% has been legal in Switzerland since 2011.
2. Can you get high from CBD?
No. Pure CBD does not affect your perception or comprehension. It doesn’t get you high. That’s why CBD cannabis is sometimes colloquially referred to as “hippie’s disappointment”.
3. Why do people use CBD?
The medicinal effects of CBD are currently controversial. It is difficult to confirm or disprove the effects in clinical practice. However, experts suspect that legal cannabis can be used against various diseases. For example, consuming CBD is said to help against pain, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and acne. In addition to those treating medical conditions, CBD is also consumed by people who want to moderate their illegal cannabis use or improve their general well-being.
4. Is CBD considered a drug?
Yes, see point 3. Tobacco substitutes made from CBD should not be praised for their healing properties. Since mid-2018, CBD can be prescribed under certain medical circumstances. On the free market, CBD is mainly sold as a tobacco substitute or raw material. As a tobacco substitute, CBD is taxed the same as cigarettes (25% tobacco tax plus VAT). However, only cannabis products that actually contain tobacco may be taxed. On 29 January 2020, the Federal Court concluded that the legal basis for levying tobacco tax on products such as cannabis flowers that do not contain tobacco is not sufficient.
5. Can you get a prescription for CBD?
Doctors may only prescribe CBD as a medication (e.g. for epilepsy) under strict conditions. There are only a few pharmacies in Switzerland that sell cannabis as a medicine.
6. Does my health insurance pay for CBD medication?
CBD medicines are only covered by basic insurance or supplemental insurance in exceptional cases. They are also very expensive. Patients should seek commitment to provide cover from their health insurer before starting therapy.
7. What happens if I’m checked by the police?
For a long time, a complex and expensive laboratory analysis was required in order to distinguish between legal and illegal hemp. Since 2017 however, the police have been able to carry out a rapid test during inspections. If the THC content is less than 1%, then your CBD product is returned to you. If the content is found to be higher, you will have to pay an administrative fine of 100 francs – but only if it is less than 10 grams. If it is more than 10 grams, you could face a penalty order and a fine of up to 10,000 francs. Remember: anyone caught smoking cannabis must always pay an additional fine of 100 francs, regardless of the amount carried.
8. Are you allowed to drive after consuming CBD?
In principle, it is not forbidden to drive after consuming CBD. However, there is one problem: according to the Ordinance on Traffic Rules, someone with THC in their blood is considered unfit to drive. If you smoke CBD, the (albeit low) THC content is detectable in your blood. Depending on the amount consumed, the permissible blood limit of 1.5 micrograms of THC per litre of blood may be exceeded, making you unfit to drive. You could lose your driving licence, face a fine or even imprisonment.
9. Who produces CBD?
Since the production of CBD hemp was legalized in Switzerland at the end of 2016, the number of producers has skyrocketed. Farmers often work with hemp producers; the plants grow in light, heated greenhouses or old factory halls. The market is now oversaturated, which is reflected in the price per gram.
10. Who sells CBD products, and how much do they cost?
If you are at least 18 years old, you can buy CBD oils, teas, powders, pastes or joints at hemp shops, online shops, private kiosks or petrol stations. There are also hemp-based iced teas, energy drinks, pasta and cosmetic products. Industrial hemp flowers with a CBD content of 10% to 20%, from which you can make tinctures, for example, are available from around 6 francs per gram. The most popular are hemp flowers, which can be mixed with tobacco and smoked. Large retailers such as Coop, Spar and Denner sell tobacco hemp cigarettes. At Coop, for example, a 20-pack of the Swiss brand Heimat costs 19.90 francs.
11. Can I take CBD cigarettes abroad?
It’s better not to risk it. In most European neighbouring countries, a THC limit of 0.2% applies. This can lead to a nasty surprise when crossing the border. For example, if you are caught in Austria with CBD cigarettes that have a THC content higher than 0.3% you risk a fine or even a prison sentence of up to six months.
