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Switzerland: Survey: Majority Of Swiss Want Cannabis Laws Liberalized

Associated Press

State Journal-Register (US IL)

Friday 16 Feb 2001

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[Sidebar] "Cannabis consumption is becoming normal." -- Richard Mueller,
Director Swiss Institute for Alcohol and Drug Problems

Bern, Switzerland ( Associated Press ) -- More than half of the Swiss
support loosening the laws banning marijuana, according to a survey by a
drug and alcohol agency.

The figures, released Thursday by the private Swiss Institute for
Alcohol and Drug Problems following a study in November, say that 54
percent favor a softening of penalties for smoking, possessing and
selling the drug.

"Cannabis comsumption is becoming normal," institute director Richard
Mueller said.

In the survey of 1,600 people between the ages of 15 and 74, more than a
quarter said they had smoked a marijuana cigarette at least once in
their life, with the figure rising to 50 percent among teenagers and
young adults. Nor margin of error was given for the poll.

The study suggests that around 87,000 out of the 7 million Swiss smoke a
marijuana cigarette daily.

The institute supposrts legalizing possession and use of cannabis and
also wants to allow the sale of small quantities of the drug.

Its thinking is not out of tune with that of the Swiss government. Last
year, the government proposed parliament decriminalize marijuana use,
though other drugs would remain illegal. Parliament is due to consider
it by June.

Penalties for use of so-called soft durgs rarely are imposed, and
Switzerland is rated as having one of the world's most liberal drug
policies.

The Study said that there still should be controls on use of soft drugs
in public places, and that any moves toward liberalizing the law should
be accompanied by a health education campaign similar to that aimed at
tobacco smokers.

 

 

 

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