Recently Switzerland has changed its stance on medical cannabis particularly regarding its use in treating sleep disorders. As of August 1, 2022 Swiss physicians have been able to prescribe cannabis without requiring exceptional authorization from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). This policy change aims to streamline patient access to cannabis based treatments for a range of conditions, including chronic insomnia.
But does cannabis truly help with sleep disorders? Or does it just mask symptoms? While some studies suggest potential benefits, concerns about dependency, long-term effects, and access barriers actually still remain.
Understanding Sleep Disorders and the Need for New Treatments
Sleep disorders affect millions of people worldwide, with insomnia being one of the most prevalent and hard to treat. In Switzerland, anxiety related sleep disorders are a growing concern with the market for related treatments expected to reach $84.47 million in 2025 (Statista).
Traditional treatments often include:
Prescription sleep medications like benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (zolpidem)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Lifestyle interventions (sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques)
However, many sleep aids come with serious downsides:
Benzodiazepines can cause dependency and withdrawal issues.
Z-drugs may lead to next-day drowsiness, memory impairment, and even sleepwalking.
CBT-I, while effective, is not always accessible due to a lack of trained specialists.
With these challenges, medical cannabis has emerged as a potential alternative treatment—but does the science support its use?
Cannabis and Sleep: What Does the Research Say?
Cannabis contains cannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system a network involved in regulating sleep, mood, and pain. The two most studied compounds are:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
Reduces sleep onset latency (helps people fall asleep faster).
Alters sleep architecture (may reduce REM sleep).
Long-term use can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
Cannabidiol (CBD):
Non-psychoactive, unlike THC.
May improve sleep quality and reduce nighttime awakenings.
Often used to manage anxiety-induced insomnia.
A randomized, placebo controlled study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that medical cannabis oil increased total sleep time and improved sleep efficiency. After two weeks, 60% of participants no longer met the clinical criteria for insomnia (Ried et al., 2022).
However, while short-term benefits are promising, long-term risks remain unclear.
The Risks of Using Cannabis for Sleep
Despite its potential, cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all solution for sleep disorders. Key concerns include:
Long-Term Impact on Sleep Cycles
Regular THC use may disrupt REM sleep, which is critical for memory and emotional regulation.
Withdrawal from cannabis can cause rebound insomnia, leading to worse sleep than before.
Dependence and Tolerance
Higher doses are often needed over time, increasing the risk of dependency.
Some users develop withdrawal symptoms, including vivid dreams and restlessness.
Psychiatric Considerations
THC may worsen sleep in people with bipolar disorder or PTSD.
Heavy cannabis use is linked to cognitive decline especially in young users.
A study from the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, found that while cannabis improved sleep for young adults with anxiety, it worsened sleep in those without pre-existing conditions (Walsh et al., 2024).
How is Medical Cannabis Prescribed in Switzerland?
Unlike in the U.S. or Canada, Switzerland has strict regulations regarding cannabis prescriptions:
Only licensed physicians can prescribe cannabis for sleep disorders.
Doctors must notify the FOPH for each prescription.
Health insurance does not typically cover medical cannabis, making it costly for patients.
A Swiss Medical Weekly study analyzed 1,193 patients who received exceptional licenses for medical cannabis between 2013 and 2014. The data showed that:
49% of approvals were for chronic pain
40% were for spasticity (e.g., multiple sclerosis-related muscle stiffness)
Other conditions, including anxiety, loss of appetite, and depression, were also treated.
However, the study did not specify how many licenses were granted for insomnia treatment. This suggests that while cannabis may be prescribed for sleep disorders, it is not among the most commonly approved conditions in Switzerland (Kilcher et al., 2017).
Challenges Patients Face in Switzerland
While legalization has made cannabis more accessible, patients still encounter barriers to treatment:
High Costs: Without insurance coverage, medical cannabis is expensive.
Regional Disparities: Access may be easier in urban centers like, Zurich but limited in rural areas.
Lack of Standardized Dosing: No universal dosage guidelines exist, making treatment trial and error.
Social Stigma: Despite legalization some Swiss doctors remain skeptical about prescribing cannabis for sleep.
Additionally, Switzerland’s policy differs from other European countries. In Germany, for example, insurance sometimes covers medical cannabis while in France, access remains highly restricted.
The Role of Specialized Clinics in Switzerland
In Switzerland, telemedicine services are increasingly being used to facilitate access to medical cannabis for sleep disorders. Clinics like Cannaviva offer consultations where physicians assess whether cannabis could be a suitable Sleep disorder treatment based on a patient’s medical history and symptoms. Through online screenings and follow-up appointments, these clinics provide a structured approach to prescribing and monitoring cannabis use, particularly for individuals who have not responded to conventional therapies.
This digital model improves accessibility while ensuring that medical oversight remains in place.
Should You Consider Medical Cannabis for Sleep?
Before pursuing cannabis as a sleep aid, patients should ask themselves:
Have I tried non-drug treatments like CBT-I or improved sleep hygiene?
Do I have an underlying condition, such as anxiety that cannabis may help?
Am I aware of the potential risks, including dependence and REM sleep disruption?
Can I afford medical cannabis if my insurance does not cover it?
While cannabis shows promise as a sleep aid, it should not be the first line treatment for insomnia. Instead, it should be considered part of a broader sleep management plan, monitored by a qualified healthcare provider.
Conclusion: A Promising but Complex Treatment
Switzerland’s evolving stance on medical cannabis offers new possibilities for treating sleep disorders, but challenges remain. While research suggests that cannabis may improve sleep quality, long-term risks, dependency issues, and accessibility concerns must be carefully considered.
As Switzerland refines its approach to medical cannabis, the critical question remains:
Will cannabis become a mainstream treatment for sleep disorders, or will it remain a niche therapy for select cases?
Only time, and further research will tell.
References
Statista. (2025). Anxiety and related sleep disorders – Switzerland. Statista. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/outlook/hmo/mental-health/anxiety-and-related-sleep-disorders/switzerland
Ried, K., Tamanna, T., Matthews, S., & Sali, A. (2023). Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Journal of Sleep Research, 32(3), e13793. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.13793
Walsh, C. A., Euler, E., Do, L. A., Zheng, A., Eckel, S. P., Harlow, B. L., Leventhal, A. M., Barrington-Trimis, J. L., & Harlow, A. F. (2024). Cannabis use and sleep problems among young adults by mental health status: A prospective cohort study. Addiction. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16705
Kilcher, G., Zwahlen, M., Ritter, C., Fenner, L., & Egger, M. (2017). Medical use of cannabis in Switzerland: Analysis of approved exceptional licences. Swiss Medical Weekly, 147, w14463. https://doi.org/10.4414/smw.2017.14463