SWISS LEADERS AIM TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

GENEVA, Switzerland -- Switzerland is preparing legislation that effectively
would allow the consumption of marijuana, adding to the country's pioneering
but contentious 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.