Pubdate: Fri, 07 Jul 2000
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Section: World Scene
Copyright: 2000 News World Communications, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.washtimes.com/

LISBON PARLIAMENT LEGALIZES DRUGS

LISBON - The Portuguese parliament voted Thursday to decriminalize the 
consumption of illegal drugs such as cannabis and heroin and treat drug 
users as people in need of medical help.

The ruling Socialist Party, which is one seat short of an outright 
parliamentary majority, was backed in the vote by the Communist Party and 
the small Left Bloc.

Until now, drug users and those caught in possession of small amounts of 
banned drugs for personal use could be sentenced to up to one year in jail.
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