Weed in Zurich, Switzerland: My Experience

Hi, smokers! You probably know that cannabis laws and regulations vary from one country to another, so let’s deeper into what’s going with weed in Zurich, Switzerland. My post covers information about weed laws, regulations, general attitude of locals and cops, hash vs weed availability and pricing, failures and successes in finding weed in Zurich.

I’ve just finished my trip to Zurich, stayed there for about 10 days, and now I’m back home writing this post while the memories are fresh (and with a joint in my hand). As a regular weed smoker, I couldn’t imagine staying in Zurich without having some green buds in my pocket. Below I’ll share what I found while searching for weed in Zurich.

Where can one acquire cannabis in Zurich, Switzerland?

Though I personally didn’t have much trouble getting cannabis in Zurich, I learned from locals that the scene here is quite unique.

Street dealers can occasionally be found in central areas, but it’s essential to be cautious. Much like in other cities, they might offer “weed, coke, hash.” However, there’s a big warning: these interactions can often lead to scams or poor-quality products. Tourists frequently find themselves falling into these traps.

A safer approach is connecting with locals through bars, hostels, or mutual acquaintances. Some people use encrypted messaging apps or social media to arrange deliveries. While payments in cryptocurrency are gaining popularity, cash remains the most common method here, more so than in some other European locations.

Zurich may not have cannabis culture cafés to the extent of cities like Amsterdam, but there are bars and social spots where you can meet people who might help you find what you’re looking for. Remember, Switzerland doesn’t have legal dispensaries (outside of specific regulated frameworks like those in some cantons or for medical use), so most activities happen discreetly and under the radar outside of those specific legal channels.

Cannabis laws in Zurich, Switzerland

What are the consequences of being caught with marijuana in Zurich, Switzerland?

In reality, as some locals might point out, if you’re over 18 and possess a small personal amount of cannabis and refrain from public consumption in Zurich, you generally shouldn’t expect significant legal trouble under specific cantonal guidelines that favor administrative measures over immediate criminal prosecution for minor offenses. Law enforcement may confiscate your stash if they encounter you with it, but personal use is typically not treated harshly as long as it’s clear you’re not involved in distribution.

Typically, law enforcement officers might be more lenient with foreign tourists who are simply enjoying their visit and contributing to the local economy in Zurich and throughout Switzerland for minor infractions. However, it’s always wise to be discreet and respectful of local laws and customs to avoid any unnecessary complication

Attitude of Zurich, Switzerland locals to weed

In Zurich, as is the case in many places, purchasing high-THC non-medical marijuana from a branded cannabis shop is not an option (outside of specific pilot projects or medical avenues). However, this doesn’t mean the local culture is strongly against it. Young adults and students are often quite open about their cannabis use and enjoy welcoming new enthusiasts into their circles. For them, a good party often includes sharing a joint or two, though it can sometimes be a bit more challenging to join in if you’re perceived as being “older.”

Smoking an occasional joint to unwind after a busy week is common among many people in Zurich. Most locals have a fairly relaxed attitude towards cannabis, and as long as you’re discreet, you shouldn’t face much judgment. It’s generally advisable to avoid public consumption to steer clear of unnecessary attention.

The overall vibe towards weed in Zurich can feel quite welcoming. In my own experience, locals were friendly, and smoking socially was not uncommon. I had the pleasure of sharing a perfect sativa joint outside a bar with a local, which truly made me feel at home. We even noticed others across the street enjoying the same.

While making connections through existing acquaintances, like my local friend who generously shared his source, can be ideal, it’s important to navigate these interactions respectfully. Having someone trustworthy to guide you, especially a local who knows the scene, can enhance your experience. If you’re lucky, you might find your own local friend in a cozy bar or cafe in Zurich.

Frequently Asked Questions about weed Cannabis in Zurich, Switzerland

No, non-medical cannabis is not legal in Zurich, Switzerland, while cops are relaxed towards weed and having less than 20 grams in your pocket should not result in arrest.

What if I get caught with weed in Zurich?

If cops think you are a real dealer who delivers stuff – you will have problems. But usually tourists with small amounts of hash or weed are not touched at all, only dealers should worry.

Can I buy weed on the streets of Zurich?

Yes you still can. This is an outdated approach already so more and more dealers are switching to online sales, but hustling parks and central streets may still give you successful results. While much easier would be finding dealer’s contacts and order online with further delivery.

Weed and hash pricing in Zurich?

Prices may vary from one dealer to another and depends on weed quality and dealer’s greedinessFrom what I heard from Tom– high quality weed may go up to $20 – $25 for 1g (the more you buy the cheaper price you get), and high quality hash should be around $30 – $35 for 1g.

Can I find top quality weed in Zurich?

Yes, while quality may differ, it depends on many factors. Usually quality depends on the price, but this is not a rule.

Can I find hash in Zurich?

Yes, almost all cannabis dealers sell both weed and hash, so hash is also popular and can be found in Zurich.

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