Though regulated cannabis sales are increasing, little is known about the individual health
effects of cannabis regulation. Data from countries with a regulated market can be used to
test the effect of regulation on the price of cannabis in the illicit market, and to explore
its effect on social and health outcomes at the societal level, but strength of evidence for
individual health and social outcomes is more limited because it must be aggregated on a
state or country level. Data on individual and social outcomes should include baseline
measurements before and outcome measurements after regulations changed. In this context,
randomized-controlled trials are the least biased source of data on the effects of
interventions.
The SCRIPT study aims to investigate the individual health and social impact on recreational
cannabis users who are allowed to purchase authorized, regulated cannabis from Swiss
pharmacies compared to users who buy cannabis on the illicit market. Participants are
randomly allocated in one of the two groups and followed-up for 6 months. After 6 months, all
participants are allowed to participate in the intervention and the cohort is followed up for
another 18 months.
The intervention includes various offers: Participants can choose between cannabis sorts and
delivery methods, and they are encouraged to shift from smoking cannabis to vaping
cannabis-containing e-liquids, vaporizing cannabis blossoms or using oral cannabis. Vaping /
vaporizing electronic devices are also recommended. At the same time, pharmacists offer
opportunistic smoking cessation and problematic cannabis, alcohol use and further drug use
counseling that conforms to motivational interviewing principles.
The SCRIPT study adheres to rigorous quality criteria for the production and storage of
regulated cannabis products. Only vaping / vaporizing electronic devices which are validated
to reduce exposure to toxicants compared to cannabis smoking are recommended.