Pubdate: Tue, 03 Oct 2000 Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI) Copyright: 2000 Honolulu Star-Bulletin Contact: P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802 Fax: (808) 523-8509 Feedback: http://starbulletin.com/forms/letterform.html Website: http://www.starbulletin.com/ 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk