EXAMPLES OF EUROPEAN POLICY ON CANNABIS USE

Some Examples Of Cannabis Policies In Europe:

NETHERLANDS: Legislation dating back to 1976 decriminalized cannabis.
Consumption and sale allowed in so-called coffee shops, which have
annual sales around $3 billion.

BELGIUM: Decriminalized possession of cannabis in 2002.

BRITAIN: On Sept. 12, downgraded marijuana from Class B to Class C
drug. Possession now carries maximum sentence of two years, but
government says most offenders will get off with a warning.

FRANCE: Possession of soft drugs risks heavy fine and year in prison,
but in practice cannabis use seldom prosecuted. Government may
eliminate jail time but toughen fines for cannabis use.

NORDIC COUNTRIES: Possession and consumption of soft drugs
illegal.

GERMANY: Cannabis consumption illegal, but possession of small
quantities seldom prosecuted, although varies in German
jurisdictions.

GREECE: Cannabis smokers face prison if caught, but enforcement
lax.

ITALY: 1993 referendum decriminalized possession of "minimum daily
dose" of marijuana.

SPAIN: Possession of marijuana for personal use carries no
sanctions.

PORTUGAL: Cannabis illegal, but under 2001 law those possessing small
amounts no longer jailed and instead given mandatory counseling, and
sometimes community service or small fine.

CROATIA: Last month, ended criminal prosecution for possessing
marijuana for personal use. Sale remains punishable by up to 15 years
in prison.