Cannatherapy

Cantons · NW

Stans is the capital of Nidwalden and the seat of the cantonal authorities (Art. 49 KV NW). With 8'565 residents it is also the largest municipality, followed by Hergiswil (6'316) and Buochs (5'607); the canton as a whole had 45'664 residents at 31 December 2025 (BFS). All municipalities lie in the German language region (BFS), and federal law does not count Nidwalden among the multilingual cantons (Art. 21 SpG).

Since 1 August 2022, medical cannabis has been subject to the same federal rules in Nidwalden as in all other cantons (Art. 8 BetmG). The cantonal pharmacist responsible for Nidwalden also covers Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden and Glarus, and according to nw.ch the office is part of the Departement des Innern of the canton of Schwyz.

Supervision of medicines and narcotics

In Nidwalden, the cantonal contact is the Gesundheitsamt (health office) of the Gesundheits- und Sozialdirektion, while the cantonal pharmacist of Schwyz carries out medicines and narcotics control, including inspections of pharmacies, drugstores, physician and dental practices and other dispensing points.

Kantonsapothekerin des Kantons SchwyzNarcotics documents of the cantonal pharmacist, Canton of Schwyz

This office belongs to the canton of Schwyz and also serves the canton of Nidwalden.

Good to know

  • The Gesundheitsamt is supported by the cantonal physician service and the cantonal pharmacist, among others (nw.ch).

Pharmacies in the canton of Nidwalden

We have not found a pharmacy in the canton of Nidwalden that states this on its own website. These pharmacies state that they send medical cannabis preparations by post across Switzerland:

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).

The legal situation in detail

Questions about the canton of Nidwalden

  • Which cantonal pharmacist is responsible for Nidwalden?

    The cantonal pharmacist of the canton of Schwyz. According to nw.ch, this office is responsible for Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Glarus.

  • In which language can I have my appointments if I live in Nidwalden?

    In German, English or Russian, and the same physician sees you each time. The information call is also available in Italian; the language of the consultation is then agreed before the appointment.

  • Is a pharmacy in Nidwalden required?

    No. The choice of pharmacy is yours (Art. 26 para. 2bis HMG) for any prescription issued where medically indicated. We have no contracts with any pharmacy.

General information, not legal advice. It does not replace a medical consultation.

Take your time to decide. The free information call covers the process, the legal situation and the costs.

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