Narcotics Lists Ordinance (BetmVV-EDI)

The BetmVV-EDI (Betäubungsmittelverzeichnisverordnung, SR 812.121.11) is the ordinance of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (EDI) that contains the binding lists (Verzeichnisse) of controlled substances (Art. 1 and 2 BetmVV-EDI). According to Swissmedic, only these lists are binding, not Swissmedic's own product lists. The consolidated version in force on 20 October 2026 is dated 13 March 2026.

The lists (Verzeichnisse)

• Verzeichnis a (Annex 2): controlled substances subject to all control measures, including cannabis for medical purposes and pharmaceutical production.
• Verzeichnisse b and c: substances partly exempt from control measures.
• Verzeichnis d (Annex 5): prohibited controlled substances, including cannabis for non-medical purposes.
• Verzeichnis e (Annex 6): certain raw materials and products that are subject to the control measures of Verzeichnis a, for example certain semi-synthetic cannabinoids.

Annex 1 defines cannabis as hemp plants or parts of them with an average total THC content of at least 1.0 percent, and all objects and preparations with a total THC content of at least 1.0 percent or made from such hemp (Art. 2 para. 1 and Annex 1 BetmVV-EDI). The amendments in force since 15 May 2025 and 13 March 2026 did not change the cannabis entries in Verzeichnisse a and d or the 1.0 percent threshold. More on the threshold: one percent limit.

Where patients meet it

The list in which a substance appears decides how it is prescribed. Medicines with substances of Verzeichnisse a and d must be prescribed on the official narcotics prescription (Betäubungsmittelrezept); for Verzeichnisse b and c, a simple prescription is sufficient (Art. 46 para. 2 and 3 BetmKV). Because cannabis for medical purposes is in Verzeichnis a, it is subject to all control measures and, where medically indicated, is prescribed on the narcotics prescription; cannabis for other purposes remains prohibited (Annexes 2 and 5 BetmVV-EDI).