The NORML Foundation released a comprehensive report today describing and detailing the current marijuana laws in Europe.
For the most part Europe is moving in an opposite direction from the United States on drug policy. Whereas the U.S. relies heavily on interdiction, domestic suppression, anti-marijuana propaganda and severe criminal and civil penalties, Europe is moving toward a “harm reduction” model, which recognizes responsible marijuana use by adults as beyond the purview of government concern.
“In effect, most, though not all, European countries view America’s ‘war on drugs’, criminal justice-oriented approach as being both ineffective and counterproductive,” said Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director. “America is becoming an island unto itself regarding its wasteful and excessive drug war.”
The report covers 16 European countries with special focus on marijuana policies in the Netherlands, Denmark’s Christiana “Experiment” and Switzerland. Also, there are helpful charts and a country-by-country description of marijuana penalties.
A chart of western European marijuana laws and the report can be viewed at the NORML website. For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director at (202) 483-8751.
