SWITZERLAND PLANS LEGISLATION TO DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA

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
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 the possession or use of such substances.

Switzerland has the most liberal approach in Europe toward 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 also have 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.

The Swiss Cabinet has not yet decided whether production and sale of
marijuana also would be tolerated, but Dreifuss said that if producers
respected some restrictions, their activities "could be tolerated even
though still punishable by law."