After consulting the cantons and communes concerned, the Federal Office of Public Health may authorise scientific pilot trials involving narcotics containing an effective concentration of cannabinoids:
that are limited in terms of location, time and subject matter;
that allow findings to made on the impact of new regulations on the use of these narcotics for non-medical purposes and on the health of participants;
that are conducted so as to ensure the protection of health and of minors, and the protection of public order and public safety; and
in which, if possible, cannabis products are used that are of Swiss origin and that comply with the rules of Swiss organic farming.
The Federal Council shall regulate the requirements for conducting the pilot trials. In doing so, it may derogate from Articles 8 paragraphs 1 letter d and 5, 11, 13, 19 paragraph 1 letter f and 20 paragraph 1 letters d and e.
Narcotics containing an effective concentration of cannabinoids that are supplied in the course of the pilot trials are exempt from tobacco tax under Article 4 of the Tobacco Tax Act of 21 March 196948.