Cantons · LU
The canton of Lucerne had 441'500 residents at 31 December 2025 (BFS). German is the official language (§ 7 KV LU), and the constitution names the city of Lucerne as the capital (§ 9 KV LU). It is also the largest municipality with 86'699 residents, followed by Emmen (32'777) and Kriens (30'685).
Whether in Lucerne or elsewhere, the same federal narcotics rules for medical cannabis have applied since 1 August 2022 (Art. 8 BetmG). In this canton they are enforced by the Bereich Heilmittel, the medicines unit of the Dienststelle Gesundheit und Sport, led by the cantonal pharmacist.
Supervision of medicines and narcotics
The Bereich Heilmittel belongs to the Dienststelle Gesundheit und Sport of the Gesundheits- und Sozialdepartement (GSD). Within the canton's competence, it enforces federal and cantonal law on medicines and narcotics, including the control and disposal of narcotics.
Bereich Heilmittel, Dienststelle Gesundheit und SportNarcotics, Canton of Lucerne
Pilot trials
According to the BAG overview checked on 20 October 2026, the pilot trial SCRIPT is authorised in Lucerne, and also in Bern and Biel/Bienne in the canton of Bern. It is a non-medical scientific study under Art. 8a BetmG; participants must live in the canton in which the trial is conducted (Art. 14 BetmPV). The trial is separate from medical treatment, and our practice is not involved in it.
Good to know
- The GSD is the department responsible for medicines, narcotics and chemicals control (Heilmittel-, Betäubungsmittel- und Chemikalienkontrolle).
- Within the Dienststelle Gesundheit und Sport, the cantonal pharmacist is responsible for narcotics unless another unit is competent.
- The canton's page on narcotics sets out the stock-control and archiving duties of pharmacies and the disposal of controlled narcotics.
Pharmacies in the canton of Lucerne
These pharmacies state on their own website that they dispense medical cannabis on prescription. A factual list, not a recommendation.
Apotheke Späni
Luzernerstrasse 14
6010 Kriens
Video consultations from the canton of Lucerne
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 Lucerne
Who is responsible for narcotics in the canton of Lucerne?
The cantonal pharmacist, within the Dienststelle Gesundheit und Sport of the GSD. Under this leadership, the Bereich Heilmittel controls compliance with the law on medicines and narcotics.
Does the SCRIPT pilot trial in Lucerne relate to medical treatment?
No. It is a scientific study on non-medical use under Art. 8a BetmG, and consumption for medical reasons is not part of it. Our practice has no connection with the trial.
Can I use a pharmacy outside the canton of Lucerne?
Yes. If a prescription is issued, where medically indicated, you choose freely where it is filled (Art. 26 para. 2bis HMG). We have no contracts with any pharmacy; see choosing a pharmacy.
General information, not legal advice. It does not replace a medical consultation.
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