Everybody must get stoned? Swiss vote on relaxing cannabis laws
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Swiss voters head to the polls on Sunday (local time) for a series of referenda including a controversial proposal to decriminalise cannabis, local media reports.
The proposal has raised eyebrows both at home and abroad, especially in neighbouring Germany, but looks set to be rejected, the NZZ am Sonntag said.
Swiss youth groups called for a free vote on the matter, adding that there should be a revision of the law whatever the outcome of the referendum.
"We should remember that the current regime in force has hardly dissuaded young people from using cannabis; the popularity of this drug rose constantly during the 1990s and has only recently seen a slight dip," the Pro Juventute youth group said in a statement.
In anticipation of a 'no' vote, Pro Juventute along with the Federation of Swiss Youth Clubs and teachers unions has called for a fresh approach to young cannabis users, the NZZ am Sonntag reported.
Instead of criminal proceedings, people under 18 caught using cannabis would face fines and also drug prevention treatment and counselling, the paper said.
Switzerland remains the biggest user of cannabis in Europe, according to a study released last July.
The use of hard drugs increased among 15-year-olds, mainly amphetamines, speed, cocaine, magic mushrooms and LSD, the study said, which was carried out by the Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction.
- AFP
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