MAPS: Drug-related legal decisions in Switzerland

[Alex Gamma <gamma@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In the last few days, two drug-related legal decisions have been made in
Switzerland.

1. The Swiss have voted (although it was a narrow majority) for the
continuation of the medically controlled provision of heroin to heavy
heroin addicts. Qualified for the program are heroin addicts over 18 who
have had at least two unsuccessful traditional drug therapies or whose
medical condition does not allow any other form of treatment.
This decision establishes a legal basis for the controlled provision of
heroin until the planned  revision of the Swiss controlled substances act
has been completed (but no longer than 2004).

2. The Swiss Federal Court has ruled against a tightening of legal
penalties for the trade of high amounts (over 1000 tablets) of Ecstasy
(MDMA). It thereby acknowledges that Ecstasy should be considered, although
by no means harmless and also relatively more dangerous than cannabis, more
as a "soft" than a hard drug.

-Alex 


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