Cantons · TI
The constitution describes Ticino as a democratic republic of Italian culture and language (Cost. TI Art. 1); its official name is Repubblica e Cantone Ticino. The capital is Bellinzona (Cost. TI Art. 5), but the largest municipality is Lugano with 63'691 residents, followed by Bellinzona (45'828) and Locarno (16'463). On 31 December 2025 the canton had a permanent resident population of 359'783 (BFS).
In Ticino the same federal rules apply as in every canton: since 1 August 2022 a physician may prescribe medical cannabis where medically indicated, without an exceptional authorisation from the BAG (Art. 8 BetmG). The canton is in charge of enforcement. It authorises health professionals, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, care homes and scientific institutes to handle narcotics, while manufacturers and trading companies are authorised by Swissmedic.
Supervision of medicines and narcotics
The Ufficio del farmacista cantonale (UFC), the office of the cantonal pharmacist, belongs to the Divisione della salute pubblica (DSP) of the Dipartimento della sanità e della socialità (DSS). It controls therapeutic products in the canton, from development, testing and production to wholesale and retail trade and the prescription and use of medicines.
Ufficio del farmacista cantonale (UFC)
Good to know
- The UFC is located in Mendrisio and includes the Ispettorato Regionale dei Medicamenti della Svizzera del Sud and the Farmacia Cantonale.
- The office's pages can also be reached via the short address www.ti.ch/pharma.
Pharmacies in the canton of Ticino
These pharmacies state on their own website that they dispense medical cannabis on prescription. A factual list, not a recommendation.
Farmacia Cattaneo
Via Luvini 7
6900 LuganoFarmacia Manno (Pharma Village)
Centro Ambrosart, Via Cantonale 38
6928 Manno
Video consultations from the canton of Ticino
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 Ticino
Can I have my appointments in Italian?
The free information call, yes: it can take place in Italian. The language of the consultation is agreed with you before the appointment. Our practice supports German, English, Italian and Russian.
Which office supervises medicines and narcotics in Ticino?
The Ufficio del farmacista cantonale (UFC) in Mendrisio, part of the Divisione della salute pubblica of the Dipartimento della sanità e della socialità (DSS).
Does the pharmacy have to be in Ticino?
No. You choose the pharmacy freely, in Ticino or elsewhere in Switzerland (Art. 26 HMG). Where a prescription is medically indicated, the original paper form can be posted directly to that pharmacy with your documented consent (KAV position paper 0025).
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.