According to recent survey data, public perception of cannabis legalization and controlled distribution in the Swiss canton of Valais has significantly changed. A study by the LINK Institute and the HES-SO found that over two thirds of Valais people were in favor of a pilot program for the legal distribution of cannabis. The results also highlight the possibility of wider legalization, as over 50% of respondents said they would be in favor of a total change in legislation.
Increasing backing for the cannabis pilot project
According to the survey, an astounding 64% of Valaisans support the implementation of a pilot program for the legal distribution of cannabis, much like the programs that are now in place in Lausanne, Basel, and Zurich. This indicates a notable degree of acceptance and receptiveness among the populace to investigating alternate methods of regulating cannabis. The findings indicate that Valais residents are open to exploring this option in order to establish a transparent and reasonable cannabis policy, even though their political will does not match that of larger Swiss towns.
The Valais Organization for Hemp Interests (OVIC) president, Benjamin Foro, expressed excitement about the survey findings. He said that the results might help move the conversation on cannabis regulation in the area forward. Even while political support may not be as strong as in larger cities, Foro thinks the survey shows how willing the people of Valais are to follow a clear-cut and logical approach to cannabis regulation.
Concerns over legalization
Apart from assessing the level of support for the pilot project, the survey also examined the wider topic of legalizing cannabis. The results show that opinions on legalization are evenly divided among Valais people, with 49.7% saying they are in favor of it. Notably, the region of Upper Valais and people under 42 showed the strongest levels of support for legalization, with over 60% and 62%, respectively, in favor of it.
Regulation of cannabis has the potential to be very beneficial for a canton like Valais, which has a significant agricultural base. This is especially true if the regulations help small enterprises and farmers. Benjamin Foro emphasized the substantial benefits that the region may receive from a regulated cannabis market, including the advantages for small and medium-sized businesses as well as agricultural firms.
The majority of respondents to the study indicate a shift in Valais’ views toward cannabis regulation, with them favoring the launch of a trial project for legal distribution. Although the political climate in Valais may not be as open as in larger Swiss towns, the results show that people there are open to considering novel ways to cannabis law. The survey may act as a spark for additional conversation and perhaps modifications to the area’s cannabis laws as talks progress.