The Swiss government, on Monday, announced its intention to decriminalize the use and possession of marijuana. The government said it would draw up legislation to allow for marijuana consumption in the next year.
The Swiss government took this action after hearing widespread support from law enforcement agencies and community associations, despite some concerns about possible “drug tourism.”
“Two-thirds of the organizations consulted said they were in favor of this move,” said Interior Minister Ruth Dreifuss.
Dreifuss said the Swiss government will establish a special commission on marijuana policy to seek advice on such issues as a minimum age to smoke marijuana (16 or 18 years old) and drug abuse prevention issues.
No decision has been made as to whether the cultivation or sale of marijuana will be accepted, but Dreifuss said if growers respected some restrictions, their activities “could be tolerated, even though still punishable by law.”
“Switzerland’s proposed marijuana policy sounds very similar to the 25-year policy in the Netherlands,” said Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director. “It is time for the U.S. government to stop bucking the worldwide trend of marijuana law reform. It’s a mystery why the U.S. is recalcitrant in examining the utility of marijuana prohibition, while Europe and Canada more toward measured and sensible law reform.”
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director at (202) 483-8751.
