Cannabis evaluation 2nd half-year 2023

As a supplement to the annual evaluations, the DIZ publishes evaluations of the analyzed cannabis samples every six months.

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Figures and averages

In the second half of 2023, a total of 212 cannabis samples were handed in for analysis at the Zurich Drug Information Center (DIZ). 160 samples were cannabis flowers, 48 samples were hashish and 22 samples were other cannabis products such as oils, liquids, edibles (gummy bears, sweets, etc.) and dabs (cannabis concentrate).

The results of the last few years are shown below in proportion (2022/2021). The flower samples contained an average value of 13.4 % (13.3 % / 13.0 %) THC. The average CBD content of 0.8 % (1.1 % / 0.9 %) was almost the same as in the last evaluations. The hashish samples contained an average value of 23.2 % (24.4 % / 19.6 %) THC. The average CBD content of 2.6 % (1.2 % / 4.2 %) was again slightly higher than in the previous year. In the second half of the year, the sample with the highest active substance content of 47 % was again closer to the previous years (49.9 % / 49.5 %). The sample with the highest THC content from the first half of the year (59.2 %) was clearly no longer reached.

Other ingredients

Of the 212 samples, 31 contained unexpected ingredients.

Synthetic cannabinoids

Unfortunately, the number of samples containing synthetic opioids increased again. The trend from the first half of the year did not continue. Of the total of 192 samples submitted in the first half of 2023, only two samples (1 %) were affected. In the second half of the year, 17 samples (8 %) were affected. In 2022, 2.8 % and in 2021 10 % of all samples were contaminated. Due to the few cases in the first half of the year, the average for 2023 settles at 4.7 % of positively tested samples.

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Semi-synthetic cannabinoids

There was also an increased occurrence of semi-synthetic cannabinoids (Delta-8-THC and HHC). In contrast to fully synthetically produced cannabinoids, semi-synthetic cannabinoids can be obtained from natural cannabinoids through chemical processes. In the second half of the year, almost as many semi-synthetic cannabinoids were detected (14 cases) as in the first half of the year (15).

The full flashback on cannabis drug testing and the 2023 results will be published in May.

Until then, you can find more information about Delta-8-THC and HHC on our website.

Still up to date:

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Züri CAN pilot project

The City of Zurich and the University of Zurich have developed the study "Züri Can - Cannabis with responsibility" on the basis of the legal requirements that have been created. The study examines the effects of obtaining selected cannabis under regulated conditions on the consumption and health of participants. It also compares different models for the regulated supply of cannabis. DIZ Zurich has been one of the sales outlets since August 2023. In addition to us, 10 pharmacies and 10 social clubs complete the offer.

For more information and a detailed description of the study, click here.