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Sanity Group

Europe’s first legal cannabis specialist store has opened: “Grashaus Projects” in Switzerland officially launched

Grashaus Projects is officially up and running: following approval by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) to conduct a cannabis pilot study in the canton of Basel-Landschaft in October, the first of two cannabis dispensaries has now opened at Baslerstrasse 198 in the municipality of Allschwil near Basel this week: On a sales area of around 110 square meters, the Grashaus offers various THC-containing cannabis products such as flowers and soon also extracts, vape liquids, hashish and edibles for the up to 3,950 study participants. All products are produced by the Swiss cultivation partner SwissExtract in accordance with the quality requirements of the BetmPV and on organic regulation. The prices for cannabis flowers, for example, are between eight and twelve Swiss francs per gram, depending on the THC content.
In addition, merchandise and accessories such as grinders and vaporizers from selected, internationally renowned partner brands and manufacturers such as Medusa, Steezy, Pax, HØJ and YewYew are also available for purchase. Workshops and educational events on all aspects of cannabis, including small cultural events, are also planned for the Grashaus in the future.

“Our aim is to offer high-quality products in a safe and regulated environment. We also see our store as a place of education. The opening marks a significant step towards a modern cannabis policy in Europe,” explains Finn Hänsel, CEO of the Sanity Group, which is behind the project together with the Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF). Another dispensary is currently being built in Liestal and is also due to open in the coming months.

Full control from production to product purchase

As part of the study, Grashaus Projects is also working with the Swiss track & trace company Cannavigia: Cannavigia’s software ensures that all processes from product cultivation to sale can be tracked seamlessly, guaranteeing quality standards and compliance along the entire value chain. It also ensures that only authorized persons can purchase and consume the permitted amount of cannabis upon presentation of the participant ID card. The participants’ consumption data is protected at all times by a pseudonymous study ID.

Gaining insights into the use of cannabis

The study, led by Prof. Dr. Michael Schaub, Scientific Director of the ISGF, is investigating the regulated sale of cannabis for non-medical purposes. For this purpose, the study will record the consumption behavior as well as the physical and mental health of the participants. Through close exchange and the integration of relevant focus groups such as the public prosecutor’s office, social and health department and municipality, social effects, especially on public safety and order, are analyzed.

Up to 3,950 adults between the age of 18 and 65 who live in the canton of Basel-Landschaft can take part in the study. Within a few weeks, over 200 participants have already been accepted into the study; more and more participants are gradually being admitted. After an initial information event to provide information about the trial and the use of cannabis, potential participants undergo a medical aptitude test and an online initial survey. If they are successfully accepted into the trial, they will then be able to legally obtain cannabis from the point of sale for a limited period of time with a participation card. Every three to six months, ongoing surveys are conducted on the participants’ consumption behavior and physical and mental health. The study runs for a period of five years.

Interested parties can find more information about participating in the study and register online at www.grashausprojects.ch and at www.isgf.ch/pilotversuch-interesse.

Graphic & Pictures: Sanity Group (c)

About Sanity Group
Sanity Group aims to improve people’s quality of life through the use of cannabinoids and the utilization of the endocannabinoid system. The focus is on cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. To harness the full potential of cannabis, Sanity Group invests in research of the cannabis plant and its active ingredients as well as in specific areas of application. Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and avaay Medical (medical cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), vaay (lifestyle) and Grashaus Projects (recreational cannabis Swiss pilot project). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production facility for cannabis extracts. Sanity Group Switzerland AG is a subsidiary of Sanity Group GmbH and organizes the operational activities at the point of sale during the study in Switzerland. More information at sanitygroup.com/press.

About ISGF
The Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF) is an associated institute of the University of Zurich and a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization WHO. The focus is both on the transfer of scientific findings into practice and on the scientific penetration of innovative practice approaches. The interdisciplinary team of addiction and health researchers regularly collaborates with renowned national and international experts. For more information, visit www.isgf.uzh.ch.

About SwissExtract
SwissExtract is a Swiss company founded in 2016 and based in Baar in the canton of Zug, which was commissioned to grow the cannabis products for the ISGF and Sanity Group model project in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. The entire process for manufacturing the products – from cultivation to labeling – takes place in Switzerland. Quality is the top priority. All SwissExtract products are subject to strict regular controls by an independent, specialized laboratory. For more information, visit www.swissextract.ch.

About Cannavigia
Cannavigia, a pioneering Swiss tech start-up, stands at the forefront of transforming process and compliance management in the cannabis cultivation and manufacturing industry. Their solutions, distinguished by intuitive design and advanced technology, are anchored in a commitment to client-centric excellence. Cannavigia seamlessly integrates cannabis dispensing monitoring into its suite of services, enhancing comprehensive compliance management. Their involvement in Swiss pilot projects, supported by a long-term contract with the Federal Office of Public Health of Switzerland, underscores their leadership and dedication in shaping responsible cannabis use and distribution. More information at www.cannavigia.com.

Media contact

Mr Thilo Grösch

Head of Public Relations | Press Officer

Email: thilo.groesch@sanitygroup.com | presse@sanitygroup.com