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.