At what age can you start using CBD?

Is the use of CBD appropriate for all age groups? At what age can CBD be used in Switzerland? Focus on CBD or cannabidiol recommendations and legislation in Switzerland.

CBD legislation in Switzerland: what does the law say?

In Switzerland, using CBD (cannabis substance) with a THC content of less than 1% has been legal since 2011. There is no legal limit on the CBD content of products sold (only on the THC content, THC being the psychoactive substance in cannabis, which is harmful to health, especially for minors). It should be noted that in other European countries, the THC content must be less than 0.2%.

Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects. CBD is therefore not subject to the Narcotics Law. The legal sale and use of CBD-containing products in Switzerland is approved by the authorities, as long as the THC content does not exceed 1%.

The result is a wide variety of CBD-based products such as CBD oil, creams, flowers, cosmetics, teas and CBD-infused foods available on the Swiss market. However, please note that none of these products can be considered to have medicinal properties.

Can under-18s buy and consume CBD?

In Switzerland, the question of whether minors under 18 can buy and use a product like CBD is a recurring query, due to its growing popularity.

The use of cannabis by minors is strongly discouraged for several reasons:

• Studies on its long-term health side-effects, particularly on young people, are still very limited.
• Confusion between CBD and THC (the psychoactive product of cannabis) is rife. Legal cannabis contains less than 1% THC, but any confusion or abuse should be avoided.
• The Swiss authorities would like to see real regulation and supervision of access to this product. This will ensure that every product placed on the market complies with strict quality standards.

Due to the legal vagueness surrounding the age of CBD use, be aware that no federal regulations confirm this prohibition. Consumers of legal cannabis need to reason with themselves. CBD sellers are required to set limits for users, and to verify the age of their customers before any sale.

However, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) recommends (but does not actually forbid) Swiss sales outlets not to give this product to minors. Penalties may be imposed for non-compliance.

Is it possible to target advertising to young people?

CBD, or cannabidiol, has become a growing topic of interest in Switzerland and many other countries. As its popularity grows, the question arises as to whether it's appropriate to advertise CBD to young people.

In Switzerland, advertising CBD consumption is strictly governed by both federal and cantonal regulations. The Tobacco Ordinance prohibits all advertising aimed specifically at young people under 18 (for products containing tobacco substitutes with a low THC content).

There are concerns about the impact of CBD on adolescent development. As a result, it is generally forbidden to advertise CBD to minors (press, online advertising, television, radio). CBD remains an under-researched product, particularly as regards its long-term side effects on young organisms. Swiss authorities are therefore adopting a cautious approach.

In addition to concerns about potential health effects on young people, CBD advertising may also be influenced by ethical considerations. Young consumers may be more likely to experiment with or be influenced by ads, raising concerns about encouraging early CBD use.

For example, therapeutic or medical claims are not permitted in advertisements. Companies cannot promote CBD as a specific cure or treatment for a disease. This is to protect consumers from false information or exaggerated promises.

Companies are therefore strongly advised to comply with current regulations on CBD advertising in Switzerland. Advertising specifically targeted at young people is strictly prohibited, and companies must exercise caution and responsibility in their marketing practices.

The precautionary principle

The precautionary principle is a regulatory approach. Its aim is to manage the risks associated with the use of new products or substances. In Switzerland, this precautionary principle has been adopted with regard to the sale of CBD or cannabidiol (present in the cannabis plant) to minors: it is better not to sell CBD to anyone under 18.

CBD is not psychoactive in the same way as THC. However, it remains a poorly understood product, especially when it comes to its long-term effects on brain development and health in young people.

The precautionary principle on the sale of CBD to under-18s aims to protect them from potential adverse effects:

• Drug interactions.
• Concentration problems.
• Developmental disorders.

This precautionary principle is based on a scientific and anatomical reality: young people's brains are still developing until around the age of 25. It may be more sensitive to active ingredients such as CBD.

By applying the precautionary principle, the Swiss authorities are seeking to minimize the risks of CBD consumption among young people.

At Naturalpeswe offer our customers a whole range of high-quality CBD products. Whether in the form of CBD flowers, cosmetic oils or infusions, choose the way you consume CBD. We make a point of applying the precautionary principle to the sale of CBD to young people under 18. We remain vigilant about the age of our customers.

Summary

The legal age for buying and using CBD in Switzerland is not explicitly mentioned in federal regulations. However, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health FOPH recommends that CBD products should not be sold to minors.

The precautionary principle is applied to the sale of CBD to people under 18, aiming to protect them from potential adverse effects. CBD itself is not psychoactive like THC and is not subject to drug laws. However, the sale and The use of CBD products in Switzerland is regulated according to THC content, which must be less than 1%.

It's important to note that the long-term effects of CBD on young people are not yet well studied, and there are concerns about its potential impact on brain development and health. Although there are no clear federal regulations specifying the legal age for the use of CBD in Switzerland, CBD sellers are encouraged to set age limits and verify the age of their customers before a sale.

Advertising aimed at minors is strictly prohibited and should be carried out with caution due to limited knowledge of the long-term effects of CBD on young people. It is recommended to consult the specific regulations and guidelines established by local authorities and health organizations in Switzerland to ensure compliance with the latest legal requirements regarding age restrictions for CBD use.