The CBD market worldwide is extremely competitive. In the past few years, numerous countries have legalized the production and use of CBD. A major reason behind the legalization of CBD’s production and consumption is its recreational and medicinal value. Apart from that, it is also looked upon as a product to get rid of tobacco addiction. Thus, it certainly is of great value in multiple spheres of life which justifies its legalization. As a result of the changing legal scenario, a number of companies, individuals have set foot in this industry.
One country which has seen tremendous growth in the CBD industry since its legalization is Switzerland. This beautiful European country is gradually becoming a hub for the growth, sale and consumption of CBD & its products. The country’s supportive government, progressive laws and market potential are all contributing factors in the growth of this industry. Undoubtedly, the United States of America continues to remain the biggest CBD market in the world. But, in Switzerland, the world certainly seems to have found a new opportunity. As a result of this, people are investing in the Swiss market and the competition is rising.
With the technology that we have at our disposal, new improvements are being made every day. In fact, technology has even made it easier to discover new strains and varieties in CBD. However, this has become a unique problem in itself. Currently, CBD exists in several diverse genetic compositions which gives rise to the problem of choice. It makes it difficult to choose the best strain and then develop products from the same. This article will throw some light on the CBD market in Switzerland. Also, the article would suggest some ways to solve this problem of choosing the best CBD variant.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol that is extracted from the cannabis plant. It has various medical, recreational, and anti-addiction benefits. It can be extracted from various varieties of the cannabis plant like marijuana, hemp, etc. What differs across these variations in genetic composition is the amount of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) concentration. Cannabidiol isn’t psychoactive. It is the THC concentration in a cannabidiol product that determines its psychoactive effect.
Hemp based cannabis plants are usually low on THC concentration. On the other hand, marijuana-based cannabis plants are high on THC content. Therefore, cannabidiol obtained from these plants differs in terms of its THC composition & the ‘high’ effect that it produces. As a result of these variations, the production, use and consumption of the products are subject to different regulations. In Switzerland, the production of hemp was legalized in August 2016. The following segment discusses some key legal aspects that regulate its production, use and consumption.
The Legal Scenario of CBD in Switzerland
- The production of hemp was legalized in August 2016. It can be grown both indoors as well as outdoors.
- The permissible THC concentration to consume in a product without any legal issue is 1%. This is much higher than the common limit of 0.2% in other European nations. This increased THC concentration limit enables cultivators to grow the plants fully and obtain maximum benefits.
- Medical use of cannabidiol products with THC concentration greater than 1% are subject to permission of the Federal Officer. Also, the Narcotics Act would apply. The ones with THC concentration less than 1% are only subject to general rules regulating medicines and drugs.
- The legal age required to buy and consume cannabidiol products is 18.
- The seller of these products cannot advertise or guarantee any sort of medicinal/healing benefits.
- It is advisable to not drive after consuming any cannabidiol product. This is because one can easily cross the permissible limit of THC in blood. In case only isolated cannabidiol is consumed, then there is no issue in driving.
The CBD Market in Switzerland
The Swiss market presents a unique combination of opportunities and challenges. While it doesn’t have numbers on its side in terms of population size, the laws and policies are quite supportive. The legal aspects discussed above are certainly one of the most progressive laws in today’s era. In fact, they can be considered as the benchmark in the cannabidiol industry to promote its growth and business. Apart from this, emphasis is placed on sustainable, natural growth in an efficient manner.
Cannabidiol is gaining considerable popularity in the European market. Switzerland, with its progressive laws and natural growth process seems to be a strong contender to become the central hub. Currently, the cannabidiol market in Switzerland is valued at around CHF 100 million. In the coming 5-7 years, the market valuation and size is expected to grow by three-fold.
How to Choose the Best CBD Strain?
The cannabidiol market suffers from a unique problem- the problem of choice. CBD is extracted from different varieties of cannabis plants. Also, it can be produced indoors as well as outdoors. As a result of the biological and environmental variation, there exist a number of genetic variations in cannabidiol. Several products are available with minor differences in their properties. Some prominent outdoor varieties include the likes of white russian, arancia tonic, strawberry, white widow, kush, etc.
But how does the producer or the consumer figure out which strain or variety is the best?
A simple yet reliable method is to look at competition figures and stats and select the most famous & best ones. A trustworthy source/competition/platform in Switzerland is the CannaSwissCup. It is a competition that awards the best indoor, best greenhouse and best outdoor cannabidiol varieties. Based on the results of this competition, the best strains from different places and conditions of production can be chosen.
In the year 2021, Arancia Tonic by Slow Weed was awarded with the Best Swiss Outdoor CBD award. This variant consists of 17% cannabidiol and less than 1% of THC. This variant has an orange flavored aroma with thick and compact buds and is grown naturally outdoors.
Thus, looking at competitions and awards is a reliable and effective method of choosing the ideal strains. This would reduce the risk of losing to competitors and attract customers.
Clearly, the CBD market has a bright future ahead. With constant research, development and innovation, this industry can certainly become a giant in the times to come.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to reflect the specific views of the publication.
