Switzerland Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession

Submitted by Phillip Smith on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 4:47pm (Issue #804)

Drug War Issues

Politics & Advocacy

As of this week, the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana is no longer a criminal offense in Switzerland. Instead, the Swiss have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of weed, replacing possible jail time and a criminal record with a maximum fine of $110. The new law went into effect Tuesday.

The change in the Swiss drug law brings the country in line with other European countries that have either formally or effectively decriminalized pot possession. It also brings uniformity within Switzerland, where previously, some cantons had turned a blind eye to marijuana offenses while others came down hard on offenders.

The change will also relieve pressure on Swiss police and courts. The country has dealt with 30,000 or so marijuana charges each year, a number that should decline dramatically under the new law.

Cultivation and distribution of marijuana remain criminal offenses, as does possession of more than 10 grams. The new law also increases penalties for sale to minors.

The country of some eight million people is thought to have up to 500,000 marijuana users.

News Brief

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Comments

Paul Pot (not verified)

It's Herb.

It's not a weed.

It's a herb!!!

Fri, 10/04/2013 - 12:06am Permalink

kickback (not verified)

Swiss drug law

The Swiss government love`s that LSD . How much LSD is produced here each year ? How about the batches that fall off the back of the truck ? Nazi seizures , Vatican $$$ laundering , on and on .... . Rothschild ? The general public must be punished over plant use . How dare they enjoy their lives ! Can I pay my Cannabis fine at the lab that churns out some good LSD ? Maybe we could swap - out . What does a snowball of hypocrisy look like ? I bet some of that Swiss LSD could help me to visualize it.......

Fri, 10/04/2013 - 12:55am Permalink

Anonymous000 (not verified)

Lol, crazy stoner!

Fri, 12/06/2013 - 7:19am Permalink

Giordano (not verified)

Rocky Matterhorn High

Switzerland couldn’t be seen lagging behind California’s marijuana laws. Otherwise someone might call the Swiss a quaint little people, or say they’re of date. Definitely a positive step. Switzerland is boring without some herb now and then. Maybe cannabinoids will relieve Swiss pain and anguish enough to stop their yodeling. Anyone ever tried yodeling on pot?

Sat, 10/05/2013 - 2:23am Permalink