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Pubdate: 1999.08.25
Source: Swiss Ministry of Health website
Swiss Government proposes marijuana legalisation
The following is a summary of a German language document on the
website of the Swiss Ministry of Health dated August 25, 1999:
http://www.admin.ch/bag/dienste/medien/1999/d/99082534.htm
Two proposals for a revision of Swiss federal drugs laws have been
opened to review until December 31, 1999. One of them is supposed
to become law next year. Both proposals
legalise use and possession of cannabis for adults while possession
remains illegal for adolescents.
- The first proposal follows the recommendation of a
government expert panel and legalises possession and use of all drugs;
- The second model legalises only possession and use of cannabis
but in principle maintains prohibition of other drugs. However it gives
police the option not to pursue small scale possession cases
of other drugs if it's not in the public interest.
Two alternatives systems are proposed for manufacturing and distribution of
cannabis:
- One proposal would tolerate the cultivation and distribution
of drug hemp if certain conditions are met (Age limits, retail sales
weight limits, no advertising), similar to the current Dutch model.
- The other proposal would change little about the current status of hemp.
Cultivation for industrial purposes would need to be reported however
and cultivation for drug purposes will require government permits.
These proposals will be open for comments until the end of the year.
The revision of the narcotics law will then take place in the second half
of next year (2000).
The proposals also
- provide for strict enforcement of laws against the distribution of
alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to minors under the age of 16;
- extend the principles of prevention, therapy and harm reduction
to all potential substances of abuse;
- make the prescription of heroin to addicts a permanent feature;
- coordinate drug policy between the federal government and
the cantons (local governments).
Swiss Ministry of Health website
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