By PETER CAPELLA
The Guardian
October 03, 2000

GENEVA, Switzerland - Switzerland is preparing legislation that effectively would allow the consumption of marijuana, adding to the country's pioneering but controversial record on drugs policy.

The government said it would draw up legislation next year after consultation among local authorities and community associations revealed that there was widespread support for decriminalizing marijuana.

"Two-thirds of the organizations consulted said they were in favor of this move," Interior Minister Ruth Dreifuss said.

But the same groups opposed any such move on hard drugs, and officials ruled out softer laws on possessing or using such substances.

Switzerland has the most liberal approach in Europe towards the treatment of heroin addicts. Since 1998 it has provided clean needles and allowed the distribution of heroin to addicts under strict medical supervision.

The policy, approved by Swiss voters in 1998 but criticized by international drug enforcement bodies, also involves tougher prevention measures, comprehensive social support for addicts and a police clampdown on heroin users as well as dealers.

As many as 937 addicts were on record as following this heroin program last December. Health authorities said the system had improved the social conditions and overall health of about two-thirds of those treated for two years and brought their drug habit under control.

Deaths from heroin overdoses have also been declining in recent years, according to official figures, but there has been a surge in the consumption of cocaine and synthetic drugs such as ecstasy.

Swiss police and justice officials have said they fear "drug tourism" if soft drugs are legalized, especially if the country is out of step with its neighbors.

The new legislation on marijuana is likely to include a minimum age of 16 or 18 years, and reinforced penalties for dealers and anyone who "incites consumption."

But marijuana would, in effect, be put on an equivalent footing to alcohol and cigarettes.

"We also need prevention measures because, quite frankly, we don't want young people to take up cannabis," said Suzanne Auer, a spokeswoman for the Swiss Interior Ministry.