SURVEY: MAJORITY OF SWISS WANT CANNABIS LAWS LIBERALIZED

[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.