How to recognise a legal hemp product in Switzerland

Find out how to identify a legal hemp product in Switzerland: THC content, labels, analyses and mandatory information according to the FOPH.

1. The legal framework for hemp in Switzerland

Switzerland permits the cultivation and sale of hemp containing less than 1% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

• If the THC content is below 1%, the product is considered legal.
• Above 1%, it falls into the category of prohibited cannabis, subject to the Narcotics Act (NarcA).

This threshold is set and monitored by the Swiss authorities, including:

You can also visit our page dedicated to legal CBD in Switzerland to better understand the general rules applicable to hemp products.

• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), responsible for the health framework;
• Federal Customs Administration (FCA), which controls imports and exports;
• Cantonal authorities, responsible for inspections and in-store compliance.

2. Reading a label correctly

A compliant hemp product must clearly display the following information:

• Brand name and product type (e.g. flowers, oils, herbal teas, cosmetics, accessories);
• CBD and THC content, expressed as a percentage;
• Mandatory legal information, such as the batch number, production date and, where applicable, the statement “Smoking kills”;
• Contact details of the producer or distributor, located in Switzerland or the EU.

An unclear or incomplete label, or one that omits the THC content, should alert you.

3. Understanding the scope of an analysis

A laboratory report concerns an identified sample and the parameters measured on a given date. It can provide details about cannabinoid content or other elements that were actually tested.

When a report is available for a reference, check the product or batch concerned as well as the list of measurements. A result does not automatically apply to other products or to all batches.

⚠️ 4. Mandatory information and warnings

Depending on the type of product (hemp-based tobacco, oils, herbal teas, etc.), the law requires certain clearly visible statements:

• For smoking products: a yellow band bearing the statement “Smoking kills” (minimum 26.25 cm²);
• For products not intended for direct consumption (cosmetics, aromatic oils, etc.): a clear indication of the intended use;
• No unproven medical or therapeutic claims.

This information is monitored by the FOPH and the cantonal authorities.

5. Checking a product’s compliance

Before buying, here are a few simple good practices:

• Check the seller’s website: a reputable website clearly states the origin of its products and compliance references.
• Avoid unlabelled products or products sold without a clear origin;
• Do not confuse legal CBD products (cannabis with less than 1% THC) with cannabis for recreational use, whose THC content exceeds this threshold and remains prohibited in Switzerland.

✅ Conclusion

Recognising a legal hemp product in Switzerland is based on specific criteria: THC content below 1%, a complete label and clearly visible legal information.

Visit gaiabis.ch to discover our selection of available hemp products.