OBJECTIVES: Based on data from the second Swiss Health Survey conducted in 1997, the present study investigates changes in the onset of cannabis use and associated consequences. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted with 7743 individuals aged 15 to 49 years. Life time prevalences, onsets of illicit drugs use, and cessation of cannabis use were investigated. RESULTS: Using survival analysis, the study shows that, in Switzerland onset into the use of cannabis has decreased by almost nine months between 1992 and 1997 down to 15.83 years old. An early onset is associated with higher prevalences of other illicit drug use (e.g., cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens), and early onsets into the use of these drugs. Similarly, cessation of cannabis use is less frequent in early onset users. CONCLUSION: Results are discussed in the light of increasing prevalences of cannabis use and the discussion about an increasing legalization, respectively depenalization, of cannabis use in Switzerland.