Visitors to Switzerland are usually attracted by the promise of picturesque chalets and mountain hikes. But now they could have another, more unlikely, reason to pay a visit: cannabis.
A Swiss supermarket has become the first major chain in the world to start selling cannabis cigarettes. Coop Cooperative shoppers can now grab a pack of the cigarettes along with their artisan chocolate and Gruyère cheese.
“Heimat” cigarettes are said to offer a mellow high
Cannabis with less than 1 per cent THC is legal in the country – that’s higher than the 0.2 per cent legal limit in most other European countries. The cigarettes also contain a high level of the other component found in hemp and marijuana, cannabidiol (CBD).
These CBD-rich cigarettes have a mellow effect and are thought to be useful in treating pain and panic attacks.
Coop introduced the cannabis cigarettes in a handful of its stores earlier this month, and have already sold out. It is now extending the sales to its 700 stores across Switzerland.
A Swiss supermarket is about to start selling the cigarettes in hundreds of stores to meet the high demand
“We were surprised by the large demand,” said a representative of The Coop. “We already offer several hemp products like hemp ice tea and beer. There is a demand for hemp products because of its unique smell and taste. That’s why we also decided to offer CBD-cigarettes to our customers.”
The “Heimat” cigarettes are made by Swiss company Koch & Gsell, which claims they’re the first cigarette containing cannabis to be sold in a normal supermarket.
“We are still overwhelmed by the interest in our cigarettes,” said marketing director Björn Koch. “People from around the globe contacted us about our new cannabis cigarette. The empty shelves at Coop show that people here in Switzerland seem to like the product.”
Would you like a joint with that view? Opinion is divided on whether tourists will come to Switzerland for the cigarettes CREDIT: KARAMYSH – FOTOLIA
Sarah Roloff from Switzerland Tourism doesn’t expect the cigarettes to have a serious effect on tourism to the country. “The primary travel motivation of tourists who come to Switzerland is the beauty of nature and its landscapes and this will remain so in the future,” she said.
But Koch is more hopeful. “We are pretty sure that many people living at the Swiss border in Germany, Austria, France and Italy will make a short trip to taste the cigarette. We are not sure if people living further away from Switzerland will take a long journey only because of the cannabis cigarette. But it is surely is an additional argument to spend some time here: smoking a cannabis cigarette while eating some cheese and enjoying the impressive view in the mountains.”
Seven more places where you can smoke marijuana legally
1. The Netherlands
A favourite city break for bleary-eyed youngsters all over the continent, Amsterdam has over 250 weed-toting ‘coffeeshops’ where you can blaze up in peace.
But although Amsterdam’s coffeeshops became legal in 1980, the restrictions regarding tourists’ use of the drug are tightening – although as yet, you don’t need to prove Dutch residency to smoke marijuana (unlike elsewhere in the country).
Like with any coffeeshop, ask to see the menu when you arrive. The staff will explain the drugs and their effects – and you should be welcome to see and sniff the buds before you buy.
2. The US
3. Spain
In many of Spain’s main cities, you can blaze up guilt-free thanks to a legal loophole that allows cannabis growing for private consumption. You’ll find legal ‘weed dens’ in the likes of Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia – each with a stringent membership system and private suppliers.
A legal loophole makes Barcelona a good place to light up CREDIT: © GEORGE OZE / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO/GEORGE OZE / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
4. North Korea
Yes, really. North Korea is in fact very liberal in its approach to cannabis – it’s perfectly legal to buy and smoke weed in public and private. “Cannabis grows wildly in North Korea and has even been sold abroad by government agencies as a way to earn foreign currency,” said Sokeel Park, director of research and strategy at Liberty In North Korea in an interview with Huffington Post.
“Marijuana, which is known as ‘yoksam’ in North Korea, is not prioritized by the government and is therefore not treated as an illegal drug.”
North Korea is an unlikely spot for a toke CREDIT: 2015 GETTY IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
5. Uruguay
Ok, so it’s illegal to buy cannabis in Uruguay if you’re not a resident – but it’s all above board if you’re offered a joint. If you’re heading to this South American country and fancy a (sneakily) legal high, it’s best to befriend a local – or sign up for a cannabis tour.
Tour highlights might include smoking a joint on the steps of the Legislative Assembly (where marijuana laws are created), meeting locals at a growers’ club, or browsing the wares of a grow shop.
6. Peru
If you’re carrying under 8 grams of cannabis – for personal use – you’re in the clear in Peru. Any more than that, and you’re officially breaking the law. Carrying other drugs is a no-no too.
Growing and selling are prohibited, so buying cannabis is a tricky business, rife with dubious dealers and a very shady black market.
Weed is legal in Peru – but be wary CREDIT: ©KLUBLU – STOCK.ADOBE.COM
7. Jamaica
For everyone who thought cannabis was already legal in Jamaica, the relaxation of possession and use laws in 2015 came as a surprise. Marijuana is a key part of Rastafarian culture, with most of its customs and traditions stemming from habitual use of ‘wisdom weed’. Be wise yourself, and don’t get caught with more than 56 grams on your person.
credit:420intel.com
