July 7, 2008 - 4:27 PM

Drugs law faces public vote

Changes to the law governing drug use for scientific or therapeutic purposes look set to go to a nationwide vote in November.

Opponents to the changes made to the legislation – members of the ultra conservative Federal Democratic Union and of the rightwing Swiss People's Party - say they have collected more than the 50,000 signatures required to force a referendum.

The revisions in the law being challenged permit the use of psychoactive substances for scientific or therapeutic purposes. These include heroin and other drugs.

The referendum also opposes measures aimed at decriminalising the use of small quantities of drugs.

Parliament endorsed the revised law in March and the Swiss government has already decided that the legislation would go to the vote in November if the referendum process were successful.