House rejects plans to ease cannabis law
Government plans to decriminalise dope smoking have been thrown out by the House of Representatives.
The Senate had already approved legislation that would allow possession and production of cannabis for personal use, as well as limited trade in the drug.
The bill will now have to go back to the Senate.
The proposal, which would have left Switzerland with one of the most liberal policies on cannabis in Europe, has aroused passions on both sides of the debate.
Luzi Stamm, a Swiss People’s Party parliamentarian, told swissinfo that even if it makes it through parliament, Swiss voters should have the final decision on the matter.
“This is an exception to most issues that come before parliament,” he said.
“It’s a situation in which the population can judge better than most politicians.”
Everyday reality
Many feel new legislation is necessary to bring the law into line with everyday reality in Switzerland.
Around half a million people are thought to be regular cannabis users even though its consumption, trade and production are all illegal.
Implementing the law is a cantonal responsibility, and while some are vigorous in enforcing the law, others turn a blind eye.
Martin Büechi of the Federal Health Office insists the law needs to be changed to close existing loopholes.
“The present situation is unacceptable,” he told swissinfo. “People aren’t always aware that they can be prosecuted for smoking, planting or growing cannabis.”
Cannabis capital
Stamm also believes the current policy is intolerable, but is concerned that the government’s proposals will create even more problems.
“The question of how to prevent children getting their hands on cannabis remains unanswered for me,” he said.
“And obviously there are international implications: people will come to Switzerland simply to buy cannabis here and then export it.”
But Büechi insists Switzerland would not become a magnet for tourists looking for easy access to a drug that is illegal back home. He says the new legislation would prevent foreigners from buying cannabis.
“That would solve what is already a very big problem for example in canton Ticino,” he said. “Because foreigners will not be allowed to buy cannabis, the local authorities will be able to stop its export.”
Cross-border trade with Italian customers has soared in recent years, and even though Italian customs services have beefed up their checks at the border, there is still a thriving trade.
swissinfo, Jonathan Summerton
Around half a million people in Switzerland are thought to be regular cannabis users.
The Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Addiction says around 50% of boys and 40% of girls between 15-16 years have tried cannabis at least once.
Under the proposals, possession and production of cannabis for personal use would be allowed, as well as limited trade in the drug.
But it would remain illegal to import or export cannabis and advertising would be banned.
The Senate approved proposals to decriminalise cannabis in December 2001.
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