Frequently asked questions about medical cannabis

Yes, medical cannabis has been legal in Switzerland since 1 August 2022. The amendment to the Narcotics Act allows doctors to prescribe cannabis medicines directly, without an exceptional licence from the FOPH. Patients can fill their prescription at any Swiss pharmacy.

No. As a patient, you are not entered in any state or official register. Since the 2022 change in the law, no notification to the FOPH is required. Your treatment is fully protected by medical confidentiality: your doctor may not pass on any information to third parties, employers or authorities without your explicit consent. The prescription is treated like any other medication and is confidential.

You need a medical consultation. At evidena.care, you can book an appointment for a video consultation online. If the doctor issues a prescription, it is sent digitally to a Swiss partner pharmacy.

The costs of medical cannabis vary depending on the product and dosage. Cannabis flowers cost between CHF 8-15 per gram, oils between CHF 50-150 per bottle. Basic health insurance does not currently cover the costs. However, some supplementary insurance plans reimburse part of the treatment costs.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is prohibited in principle. With medical cannabis, however, there are exceptions: if you are stably adjusted to your medication, not impaired and have this confirmed by a doctor, you may be allowed to drive under certain circumstances. We recommend discussing this individually with your treating doctor and carrying a medical certificate with you.

This assessment is made exclusively by the doctor during the video consultation. A blanket statement on a website is neither permitted nor possible: every case is considered individually.

Our doctors assess your situation with an open outcome. If there is no indication for treatment, you receive an honest assessment and guidance on alternative options. In that case, you are not charged for the initial consultation.

Since August 2022, any practising doctor in Switzerland can prescribe medical cannabis. No specialist qualification is required. At evidena.care, specialised doctors with experience in cannabinoid medicine advise you via telemedicine, conveniently from home.

Medical cannabis is prescription-only and can only be obtained from a pharmacy with a valid prescription. At evidena.care, the medical consultation takes place via telemedicine; if a prescription is issued, you fill it at a partner pharmacy, which also offers home delivery.

Swiss basic health insurance does not cover the costs in most cases. Some supplementary insurance plans (e.g. for complementary medicine) may reimburse part of them. It is worth asking your insurer.

You can obtain medical cannabis at any Swiss pharmacy with a valid medical prescription. Not all pharmacies keep cannabis products in stock, but they can order them. Our partner pharmacies carry a wide range and also offer home delivery.