JUST SAY YES

The Swiss Move To Legalize The Cultivation, Sale And Consumption Of Marijuana.

Switzerland may no longer be known just as the land of chocolate and
cheese; marijuana could soon become as much a part of the Alpine
landscape as edelweiss.

Last week the Swiss government approved a law, still to be endorsed
by the Parliament, that legalizes the production, sale and use of
marijuana, making Switzerland's policy toward the drug one of the
most liberal in Europe. Sale of hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine
will remain illegal.

"No research shows that marijuana is more harmful or addictive than
alcohol and tobacco," says Georg Amstutz, spokesman for the Federal
Office of Public Health.

Authorities say thelaw, which has the backing of all cantons and most
major political parties, reflects the widespread consumption of
cannabis in Switzerland and the need to regulate it. Statistics show
that in a population of 7 million, more than 500,000 are regular
consumers who collectively spend over $650 million a year on
marijuana.

The move to legalize cannabis is seen by the government as a
necessary step toward regulating the cultivation, sale and
consumption of the drug."We believe that repression will not stop its
sale and use, but by legalizing it we are eliminating the black
market and putting it out in the open where we can control the
situation," Amstutz says. Legalization will mean that marijuana could
be openly consumed in public places where tobacco and alcohol are
allowed.

The law will not, however, give free reign to marijuana dealers and
users; strict rules will govern its production, sale and consumption.
For example, only Swiss-grown marijuana can be sold - quantities and
prices are still to be determined - and export or import of the drug
will be forbidden. By the same token, only Swiss residents will be
able to purchase the drug and sale to minors will be prohibited.

Amstutz says the government will intensify its drug prevention
policies and does not think that availability of marijuana will lead
to an increase in use. "Maybe in the beginning some people will try
it out of curiosity, but in the long run we don't believe we'll see a
rise in consumption," he says. "When something is no longer
forbidden, it becomes less attractive."

Bernard Rappaz, a cannabis grower in the canton of Valais and one of
the leading proponents of legalization, says he is "very happy" with
the new law, which will allow him to grow cannabis on his 30-hectare
farm, one of 300 such plantations in the country.

"The society living with tobacco and alcohol can certainly permit
legal marijuana," he says. Rappaz, who has been smoking marijuana
regularly for the past decade, says the new law "is a sign that
society is becoming more responsible. Personally, I' d much rather
see my son smoke a joint than drink alcohol."

The law, Amsutz says, is in accordance with all international
treaties and will benefit other European countries by ensuring that
home-grown cannabis is no longer exported. And while the government
will not gain financially from the marijuana industry - sales will
not be taxed - Amsutz says one advantage will be a lighter load on
the police and justice system.