SWISS GOVERNMENT PAVES WAY TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA NEXT YEAR

GENEVA -- 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
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 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 and dealers.

Scripps Howard News Service