Switzerland
Is Hemp Legal in Switzerland?
Status
Legal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 28, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp cultivation is legal in Switzerland provided the crop contains less than 1.0% total THC, as defined by Article 2a of the Federal Narcotics Act (BetmG) and the Narcotics Control Ordinance (BetmKV). The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG/BLW) oversees cultivation, and Switzerland is not bound by the EU Common Catalogue of varieties — Swiss growers can plant any cultivar that meets the 1% THC ceiling.
Hemp fiber, seeds, hempseed oil, and protein are unrestricted commercial commodities. Hemp foods must comply with Swiss food law and FSVO maximum residue levels for THC in foodstuffs (set by the FSVO in 2017 and updated periodically). No federal acreage cap or special license is required for cultivation under the 1% threshold, making Switzerland one of Europe's most permissive hemp regimes.
Key facts ·
Switzerland
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
<1.0% total THC
Regulator
Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) / FOPH
Key regulation
Federal Narcotics Act (BetmG) Art. 2a; Ordinance on Plant Variety Certification
Effective
May 1, 2011
Adult-use cannabis
Legal
Medical cannabis
Legal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp seeds, fiber, and finished hemp products may be freely imported and exported subject to standard Swiss customs procedures. Hemp foods are regulated by the FSVO and must meet THC residue limits. Live plants and viable seeds for cultivation may face phytosanitary controls but no narcotics restrictions when below the 1% THC threshold.
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