HOUSE REJECTS PLANS TO EASE CANNABIS LAW

Government plans to decriminalise dope smoking have been thrown out by
the House of Representatives.

The Senate had already approved legislation that would allow
possession and production of cannabis for personal use, as well as
limited trade in the drug.

The bill will now have to go back to the Senate.

The proposal, which would have left Switzerland with one of the most
liberal policies on cannabis in Europe, has aroused passions on both
sides of the debate.

Luzi Stamm, a Swiss People's Party parliamentarian, told swissinfo
that even if it makes it through parliament, Swiss voters should have
the final decision on the matter.

"This is an exception to most issues that come before parliament," he
said.

"It's a situation in which the population can judge better than most
politicians."

Everyday reality

Many feel new legislation is necessary to bring the law into line with
everyday reality in Switzerland.

Around half a million people are thought to be regular cannabis users
even though its consumption, trade and production are all illegal.

Implementing the law is a cantonal responsibility, and while some are
vigorous in enforcing the law, others turn a blind eye.

Martin Cechi of the Federal Health Office insists the law needs to
be changed to close existing loopholes.

"The present situation is unacceptable," he told swissinfo. "People
aren't always aware that they can be prosecuted for smoking, planting
or growing cannabis."

Cannabis capital

Stamm also believes the current policy is intolerable, but is
concerned that the government's proposals will create even more problems.

"The question of how to prevent children getting their hands on
cannabis remains unanswered for me," he said.

"And obviously there are international implications: people will come
to Switzerland simply to buy cannabis here and then export it."

But Cechi insists Switzerland would not become a magnet for
tourists looking for easy access to a drug that is illegal back home.
He says the new legislation would prevent foreigners from buying cannabis.

"That would solve what is already a very big problem for example in
canton Ticino," he said. "Because foreigners will not be allowed to
buy cannabis, the local authorities will be able to stop its export."

Cross-border trade with Italian customers has soared in recent years,
and even though Italian customs services have beefed up their checks
at the border, there is still a thriving trade.

Related Sites

Swiss Federal Health Office: http://www.bag.admin.ch/e/index.htm

Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Addiction (German):
http://www.sfa-ispa.ch/bodyindex-d.htm