The History of Hemp in Switzerland – from Tradition to the CBD Trend

still remember walking with my father through the fields in the Zurich lowlands. Between rows of corn and potatoes, he pointed at a tall, rough plant: hemp. “Back in the day, this was everywhere,” he said. For him, it wasn’t some exotic crop, but part of everyday life. Ropes, textiles, oil – hemp was simply useful.

Today, most people only associate hemp with cannabis debates, CBD products, or arguments about legalization. But in Switzerland, hemp has a history that stretches back centuries – far beyond modern lifestyle trends.

Maybe you’ve experienced the same: when you hear “hemp,” you immediately think of joints or CBD buds. But hemp is much more than that. It used to be an essential part of our culture. Let me take you on a journey through time – from the Middle Ages to today’s CBD market.

Hemp in Everyday Swiss Life – from the Middle Ages to the Early Modern Era

By the 13th century, Swiss farmers were cultivating hemp. Its fibers were used to make ropes and sails for ships, as well as durable clothing and paper. Some historical sources suggest that nearly every village in Switzerland had hemp fields at that time (Schwarz, 2018).

An older acquaintance from Appenzell once told me his family grew hemp in the garden – not to smoke, but to press into lamp oil. For them, hemp was as normal as wheat or potatoes.

Hemp’s versatility was impressive:

• Textiles: stronger than linen and often lasted for decades

• Food: hemp seeds were added to soups or pressed into oil

• Medicine: folk remedies sometimes used hemp extracts for pain or skin issues – though without today’s scientific basis

In short, hemp was a true multi-purpose plant deeply rooted in Swiss culture.

Why Hemp Was Banned in Switzerland

Things changed in the 20th century. International drug policies, mainly pushed by the United States, put pressure on Switzerland as well. Suddenly, hemp was no longer viewed as a useful crop but as a potential “drug.”

During the 1950s and 60s, cultivation was gradually restricted. Even low-THC hemp was regulated under the same rules as marijuana (Federal Office of Public Health, 2019). A crop that had been normal for centuries nearly disappeared.

A friend once told me about the 1990s “Duftsäckli” craze – little scented sachets of hemp buds sold in Zurich shops. Officially they were “aromatherapy products,” but of course, people used them differently. That legal grey area lasted a few years until authorities cracked down hard in 2005.

The ban pushed hemp into the shadows, and even farmers who only wanted to grow it for fiber or seed oil faced obstacles.

The Comeback: CBD and Switzerland as a Pioneer

In 2011, everything changed. Cannabis with less than 1% THC was no longer classified as a narcotic (Swissmedic, 2011). This opened the door to legal CBD products.

Suddenly, hemp fields started to reappear – this time grown for flowers to smoke or for topical use. And here’s the interesting part: Switzerland was ahead of the curve. While countries like Germany and Austria hesitated, Switzerland had already created a clear regulatory model.

I still remember visiting one of the first CBD shops in Zurich in 2016. I was amazed at the mix of customers: students buying CBD joints, older women looking for balms for their knees, curious newcomers exploring the shelves.

Today, CBD has become part of Swiss everyday culture. Some smoke hemp buds to relax after work, others use hemp balms after a workout. For many, it’s a lifestyle choice – a natural alternative that fits into modern self-care.

Traditional Hemp Products and Their Modern Relevance

Looking at traditional uses, you’ll notice parallels to today. In the past, hemp was valued for being sustainable and low-maintenance. That’s exactly why it’s interesting again now.

Examples past vs. present:

• Then: ropes for ships – Now: hemp fibers in eco-fashion

• Then: hemp seed oil for lamps – Now: hemp oil in cosmetics

• Then: folk remedies – Now: CBD creams and balms

The cool part? History is repeating itself, just in a modern form. Instead of lamp oil, hemp oil is used for skincare. Instead of rough hemp shirts, we see stylish hemp T-shirts from sustainable brands.

How Public Perception of Hemp Changed

Over the last few decades, hemp’s image has flipped completely. In the 1980s, it was mostly seen as a “stoner plant.” Today, many associate it with wellness, sustainability, and relaxation.

You can see this shift in the different types of consumers:

• Newbies often ask: “What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana?”

• Health-conscious people focus on safety and transparency.

• Budget-conscious buyers compare CBD shops and look for fair pricing.

• Experienced users pay attention to terpene profiles and subtle effects.

Personally, I find it fascinating how hemp went from taboo to accepted everyday product – just like in the Middle Ages, but with new emphasis on health and lifestyle.

Regional Traditions and Today’s Hemp Scene

Certain regions in Switzerland still carry strong hemp traditions, especially in the Mittelland and western parts of the country. Many growers there focus on sustainable cultivation and transparency.

Thanks to the clear 1% THC limit, Switzerland developed a model that even international markets look to as an example (Meier & Brunner, 2020).

At Green Passion, this heritage is important to us. We want to honor the past while offering modern, high-quality products. For you, that means transparency, tested quality, and CBD that doesn’t just follow a trend but builds on centuries of tradition.

Conclusion: What We Can Learn from Hemp’s History

The history of hemp in Switzerland proves that plants can be more than raw materials – they’re part of our culture. From medieval ropes to 20th-century prohibition to today’s CBD shops, hemp has constantly reinvented itself.

For us at Green Passion, one thing is clear: this story isn’t over. Hemp will continue to play an important role – in agriculture, in lifestyle, and in sustainable products.

👉 If you want to experience a piece of this history yourself, check out our Green Passion Shop. You’ll find flowers, hash, and more – products that connect tradition and modern living.

References

Federal Office of Public Health. (2019). Cannabis in Switzerland – Facts and Developments. Bern: FOPH.
Meier, L., & Brunner, P. (2020). The Development of the CBD Market in Switzerland. Swiss Journal of Drug Research, 15(2), 45–57.
Schwarz, R. (2018). Hemp as a Cultural Plant in the Alpine Region. Zurich: Chronos Verlag.
Swissmedic. (2011). Cannabis Products under 1% THC – Legal Classification. Bern: Swissmedic.
Zimmermann, H. (2021). From Useful Crop to Lifestyle Product: Hemp in Switzerland. Basel: University Press.