Cantons · GE
The canton of Geneva, officially the République et canton de Genève, had 537'084 residents on 31 December 2025 (BFS, permanent resident population). French is its official language (Cst. GE Art. 5). The constitution names no capital; the BFS map of cantons and capitals shows the city of Geneva (Genève). With 211'152 residents it is by far the largest municipality, ahead of Vernier (38'769) and Lancy (37'520).
Geneva's rules for medical cannabis are the federal ones, which have applied in the same way in every canton since 1 August 2022: a physician may prescribe it where medically indicated, and no exceptional authorisation from the BAG is needed (Art. 8 BetmG). The canton controls the trade in and use of medicines, including narcotics, through the Service de la pharmacienne cantonale.
Supervision of medicines and narcotics
The Service de la pharmacienne cantonale (SPhC), the office of the cantonal pharmacist, is part of the Office cantonal de la santé (OCS) in the Département de la santé et des mobilités (DSM). As cantonal authority for therapeutic products, it controls the trade in and use of medicines, including narcotics, and medical devices, and supervises pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, druggists, opticians and other professions and establishments.
Service de la pharmacienne cantonale (SPhC)Narcotics authorisation for institutions (ge.ch, in French)
Pilot trials
In the canton of Geneva, the BAG overview checked on 20 October 2026 lists the pilot trial La Cannabinothèque, authorised in Vernier. It is a scientific study on non-medical use under Art. 8a BetmG; consumption for medical reasons is excluded, and participants must be resident in the canton of Geneva (Art. 14 BetmPV). It is separate from any medical treatment, and our practice has no part in it.
Good to know
- The Service de la pharmacienne cantonale issues the authorisation that medical establishments, research institutes and cantonal or communal authorities need to obtain, hold and use narcotics.
- The service also hosts the cantonal research ethics commission (commission cantonale d'éthique de la recherche).
Pharmacies in the canton of Geneva
These pharmacies state on their own website that they dispense medical cannabis on prescription. A factual list, not a recommendation.
Pharmacie de Florissant
Route de Florissant 18
1206 Genève
Video consultations from the canton of Geneva
Pages for cities in this canton:
The same federal rules everywhere
- Since 1 August 2022, physicians may prescribe cannabis medicines without an exceptional authorisation from the BAG (Art. 8 BetmG). Whether treatment is an option is decided individually in the consultation.
- Medicines with at least 1% total THC are prescribed on the official narcotics prescription, which is valid for one month (Art. 46 and 47 BetmKV). The original paper form has to reach the pharmacy.
- You choose the pharmacy freely, in your canton or anywhere else in Switzerland (Art. 26 HMG).
Questions about the canton of Geneva
Do the appointments take place in French?
No. French-speaking patients have their appointments in English; German and Russian are also possible. The information call is also available in Italian; the language of the consultation is then agreed before the appointment.
Does La Cannabinothèque in Vernier have anything to do with medical treatment?
No. It is a pilot trial on non-medical use under Art. 8a BetmG, and consumption for medical reasons is excluded. Our practice is not involved.
Do I have to choose a pharmacy in Geneva?
No. You choose the pharmacy freely, in Geneva or elsewhere in Switzerland (Art. 26 HMG).
General information, not legal advice. It does not replace a medical consultation.
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Quick and simple, also before you book.
Take your time to decide. The free information call covers the process, the legal situation and the costs.