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This guide gives a clear, practical overview of cannabis-related law for people in Wohlen, canton Aargau. Switzerland regulates controlled substances at the federal level under the Narcotics Act, while cantons and municipalities handle enforcement and some administrative procedures. Canton Aargau generally follows federal rules, but policing priorities, fines and local practice can vary. Medical use, recreational possession, cultivation, sale, driving under influence and commercial CBD products are treated differently under Swiss law, so local circumstances in Wohlen matter for how a case will be handled.
There are many situations where consulting or hiring a lawyer is important - particularly where criminal penalties, administrative sanctions or lasting consequences may follow. Common reasons include:
- You were stopped by police with cannabis in your possession and you face a fine or charge.
- You were arrested or formally accused of selling, distributing or trafficking cannabis.
- You are under investigation for growing cannabis, even at home, or you had plants seized.
- You face administrative measures such as driving-licence suspension after suspected impairment while driving.
- You need advice about medical cannabis prescriptions and procedures for lawful use.
- You are an employer or employee dealing with workplace drug tests or disciplinary measures tied to cannabis use.
- You intend to open a CBD business and need help ensuring compliance with food, narcotics and commercial law.
- You want to challenge a fine, seek record-clearing, or need help with communications with cantonal police or public prosecutor.
Key legal points to know in Wohlen and canton Aargau:
- Possession of small amounts for personal consumption: Under Swiss federal practice, possession of a small amount - traditionally defined as up to 10 grams of cannabis - is generally treated as an administrative offence. This often results in an on-the-spot or later fine (frequently CHF 100) rather than a criminal conviction. Cantonal practice can affect procedure and follow-up measures.
- Sale, distribution and trafficking: Selling, supplying or trafficking cannabis remains a criminal offence. Penalties are significantly more severe than for mere possession and can include substantial fines and imprisonment, depending on quantity, intent and aggravating factors such as dealing to minors.
- Cultivation: Growing cannabis with appreciable THC content is usually treated as production of an illegal narcotic and can lead to criminal prosecution. Even small-scale cultivation may attract charges, especially if there is evidence of distribution or commercial intent.
- Medical cannabis: Medical use is possible under Swiss rules but generally requires medical justification and specific procedures. Doctors may prescribe cannabinoids in certain cases, and controlled access routes exist - seek legal and medical advice to understand entitlement and authorization steps.
- CBD and hemp products: Low-THC hemp and CBD products are widely available, but they must comply with narcotics, food and product safety regulations. Thresholds for allowable THC and labelling requirements apply - verify product compliance before sale or purchase.
- Driving and impairment: Driving under the influence of cannabis is a serious matter. Police can require sobriety checks and blood tests. Administrative sanctions - including driving-licence suspension - and criminal charges are possible if impairment or dangerous driving is proven.
- Cross-border movement: Carrying any cannabis across international borders is a criminal offence and can lead to arrest and prosecution. This applies even for small amounts that may be tolerated domestically.
Not necessarily. Under federal practice the possession of a small amount (commonly up to 10 grams) is usually treated as an administrative offence and typically leads to a fixed fine rather than a criminal conviction. However, cantonal enforcement practice and the circumstances of the stop can affect the outcome. If prosecutors suspect intent to sell or other aggravating factors, criminal proceedings may follow.
Sale, supply and trafficking are criminal offences. If you are accused of selling cannabis you may face criminal charges, including heavy fines and possible imprisonment. The severity depends on quantity, evidence of organized distribution, sale to minors and other factors. You should consult a criminal lawyer immediately.
Growing cannabis with appreciable THC is generally illegal and can result in criminal prosecution. Even a small number of plants may lead to charges if police believe there is intent to distribute. Laws on hemp cultivation and industrial hemp are separate - those crops must meet low THC thresholds and registration rules.
Low-THC hemp and many CBD products are legally sold in Switzerland subject to regulatory requirements. Products must comply with narcotics regulations and food or product laws. Ensure products meet the legal THC threshold and are properly labelled. If you plan to sell CBD commercially, get legal advice about compliance, lab testing and business regulations.
Access to medical cannabis is possible but regulated. Medical prescriptions for cannabinoids typically require medical justification and may involve specific authorization procedures. Swissmedic and cantonal health authorities set rules for which preparations and indications are allowed. Discuss options with a treating physician and seek legal assistance if you encounter administrative hurdles.
Remain calm and polite. You have the right to remain silent about the facts that could incriminate you, and you can request a lawyer. Ask whether you are under arrest or free to leave. Do not destroy evidence. If detained, request to contact a lawyer and an interpreter if needed. Document what happened as soon as possible and seek legal advice right away.
Employers can have specific workplace rules about drug use and can take disciplinary measures if drug use affects work performance or safety. Testing and follow-up steps must respect labour law and privacy rules. In safety-sensitive roles, positive tests often lead to stricter consequences. Consult an employment lawyer to understand your rights and possible remedies.
Administrative fines for possession of small amounts normally do not result in a criminal conviction and thus do not create a criminal record in the same way a conviction does. Convictions for trafficking, cultivation, or other criminal offences do create entries. If in doubt, consult a lawyer to learn whether an entry will be made and whether it can be removed or appealed.
Carrying cannabis across cantonal or international borders risks police intervention. Crossing international borders with cannabis is a serious offence. Even within Switzerland, airports and customs areas are subject to federal law enforcement. Do not transport cannabis across borders, and be cautious about carrying it in public spaces.
Switzerland has approved regulated pilot projects in selected municipalities for research into legal, controlled recreational cannabis markets. These projects are limited in scope and require federal approval and strict controls. They do not mean nationwide legalization. Check current developments and whether any trials are active in Aargau or nearby - a lawyer can help interpret how pilot projects may affect local enforcement.
Useful authorities and organisations to contact for more information or assistance:
- Federal Office of Public Health (Bundesamt für Gesundheit - BAG) - for national drug policy and public-health guidance.
- Swissmedic - for information on medical cannabis regulations and approved medicinal products.
- Canton Aargau Department of Justice or Department of Security - for cantonal enforcement policies and administrative procedures.
- Cantonal Police Aargau - for local enforcement and procedural questions.
- Public Prosecutor's Office (Staatsanwaltschaft) in Aargau - for information on criminal proceedings and case status.
- Addiction and health organisations such as Sucht Schweiz - for harm-reduction, treatment and counselling.
- Aargau bar association or local lawyer directories - to find attorneys specialising in criminal law, administrative law, employment law or regulatory compliance.
- Legal aid services in canton Aargau - if you need financial assistance to hire a lawyer.
Follow these practical steps to protect your rights and get appropriate help:
- If you are detained or charged - ask for a lawyer right away. Do not give detailed statements without legal advice.
- Preserve evidence - take notes about the incident, collect receipts, photos, witness contacts and any police documents.
- Seek a lawyer who specialises in criminal or administrative cannabis law, or who has experience with drug-related cases in canton Aargau. If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid or payment arrangements.
- If the matter involves medical cannabis or business compliance, consult both a doctor and a specialist lawyer to handle medical authorizations and regulatory requirements.
- If you face a driving-licence suspension or workplace issue, act quickly - some remedies require prompt legal steps or administrative appeals.
- Keep all communications with authorities documented and forward copies to your lawyer. Follow legal advice about disclosures, appeals and settlement options.
Getting early, specialised legal advice improves your chances of a favourable outcome. A qualified lawyer in Aargau can explain local practice in Wohlen, assess the evidence, advise on administrative or criminal procedures and represent you before police, prosecutors and courts.
