cannabisnews.com: Just Say Yes Just Say Yes Posted by FoM on March 15, 2001 at 22:44:49 PT By Helena Bachmann Geneva Source: Time Magazine Switzerland may no longer be known just as the land of chocolate and cheese; marijuana could soon become as much a part of the Alpine landscape as edelweiss. Last week the Swiss government approved a law, still to be endorsed by the Parliament, that legalizes the production, sale and use of marijuana, making Switzerland's policy toward the drug one of the most liberal in Europe. Sale of hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine will remain illegal. "No research shows that marijuana is more harmful or addictive than alcohol and tobacco," says Georg Amstutz, spokesman for the Federal Office of Public Health. Authorities say the law, which has the backing of all cantons and most major political parties, reflects the widespread consumption of cannabis in Switzerland and the need to regulate it. Statistics show that in a population of 7 million, more than 500,000 are regular consumers who collectively spend over $650 million a year on marijuana. The move to legalize cannabis is seen by the government as a necessary step toward regulating the cultivation, sale and consumption of the drug."We believe that repression will not stop its sale and use, but by legalizing it we are eliminating the black market and putting it out in the open where we can control the situation," Amstutz says. Legalization will mean that marijuana could be openly consumed in public places where tobacco and alcohol are allowed. The law will not, however, give free reign to marijuana dealers and users; strict rules will govern its production, sale and consumption. For example, only Swiss-grown marijuana can be sold — quantities and prices are still to be determined — and export or import of the drug will be forbidden. By the same token, only Swiss residents will be able to purchase the drug and sale to minors will be prohibited. Amstutz says the government will intensify its drug prevention policies and does not think that availability of marijuana will lead to an increase in use. "Maybe in the beginning some people will try it out of curiosity, but in the long run we don't believe we'll see a rise in consumption," he says. "When something is no longer forbidden, it becomes less attractive." Bernard Rappaz, a cannabis grower in the canton of Valais and one of the leading proponents of legalization, says he is "very happy" with the new law, which will allow him to grow cannabis on his 30-hectare farm, one of 300 such plantations in the country. "The society living with tobacco and alcohol can certainly permit legal marijuana," he says. Rappaz, who has been smoking marijuana regularly for the past decade, says the new law "is a sign that society is becoming more responsible. Personally, I'd much rather see my son smoke a joint than drink alcohol." The law, Amsutz says, is in accordance with all international treaties and will benefit other European countries by ensuring that home-grown cannabis is no longer exported. And while the government will not gain financially from the marijuana industry — sales will not be taxed — Amsutz says one advantage will be a lighter load on the police and justice system. Note: The Swiss move to legalize the cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana.Source: Time Magazine (US) Author: Helena Bachmann GenevaPublished: Friday, March 16, 2001Address: Time Magazine Letters, Time & Life Bldg.Rockefeller Center, NY, NY 10020 Copyright: 2001 Time Inc Fax: (212) 522-8949Contact: letters time.com Website: http://www.time.com/time/ Related Articles:Swiss Clear The Way for Cannabis Legalisation http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread8940.shtmlSwiss Want Cannabis Laws Lightenedhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread8679.shtmlHeidi High - Swiss in a Fix Over Legal Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread7577.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #18 posted by jAHn on March 22, 2001 at 19:48:47 PT Well Put, FoM! I feel the same way. I don't want to see people suffer the way that they do because of certain, prohibited actions!Nor do I want to see people suffering because that same Prohibition Failed! When it comes down to it, everyone results with some dysfunction and/or misfortune that could have been spared. People who live with total failure must, I know I have failed at something before and did not like the feelings, mood, frame of mind, etc., suffer from some serious Brain Damage, Nervous Disorder, Skin Ailments, Eye Problems, Breathing Problems, imagine the risks involved. This is what I believe led to the condition of Ron Reagan, Papa George, and even little George, with his Incoherent Speech. His sudden, nervous twitches. And all of the suffering will continue in many shapes and forms creating diseases and ailments harder to fight than, I think, any psychotropic/hallucinogen drug that man can create...never mind...Human is Sick and has Created Many Poisonous Chemicals That have resulted in Yet Noted/Unexplained Dysfunctions. I do believe that America and Europe are Responsible for this tragic Occurrence. Some people are better off just being tree planters. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on March 16, 2001 at 22:07:51 PT Thank You New Mexican Thank you New Mexican,That was quite a compliment. We have a group of very smart and compassionate people here and I am more then pleased. I think that people are starting to see that people who want drug laws reformed aren't what they think we are. We love, have families, some go to church, we are middle america and we just want to find a new way of approaching the drug war. One with sense and hope for the future for all of our children. I care so much for children that I don't want to see their lives wrecked if they experiment with drugs like many people do when they are finding their way in life. Most people grow out of doing drugs. If they get arrested they will see a whole other side of our system and could very well become bitter. That could be worse then any drugs that they would try I think. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by New Mexican on March 16, 2001 at 20:53:59 PT Media Blackout:Gore won,Swiss say up yours to U.S The corporate press now rules in AmeriKKKa... but CannabisNews is the new Time Magazine and IMC(IndependentMedia Center),the new CNN. Watch. 'Traffic' has changed everything andGary Johnson started it 8/11/99. Bush is already finished(Stock market crash, go boom!)and Barry has nowhere to go (Mexico?) pLEASE Donate to NARCONEWS.COM AND KEEP THE MOMENTUM UP,THE DICTATORSHIP IS COMPLETE, ONLY NOW IT WILL SURELY FALL..THANKS TO: FOM, kaptinNemo, Dr. Russo, dddd, Ledher, Superstoner, greenfox and the rest of you! You gave me hope andin just the last two years there has been a seachange in awareness...beautiful! [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by military officer guy on March 16, 2001 at 17:13:11 PT that's not why... the real reason why you will hear little about this GREAT law is because the US media has s #$ up their butts...and the politics behind it doesn't allow them to talk about it...plan and simple...we can win this war, one swiss at a time... [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on March 16, 2001 at 13:03:43 PT Time - Europe Hi Everyone, Here is the direct link and it could be because it is from the European Time web site. That's why they haven't said anything on the news on tv I think.http://www.time.com/time/europe/eu/daily/0,9868,102537,00.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by jAHn on March 16, 2001 at 12:36:24 PT Hey, Nerull! It's from Time magazine, Don't feel bad, you're not the only one who didn't catch that! [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by nerull on March 16, 2001 at 11:49:09 PT: where is this story in the mainstream madia??? I like how this story gets no coverage at all in the mainstream media. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by Harvey Pendrake on March 16, 2001 at 11:43:52 PT Hey, what's the deal? Apparently the author of this article didn't know there's a law that says when you write an article like this you absolutely MUST use one or more dumb marijuana puns. For instance: "Switzerland Goes To Pot", or "Swiss Pot Laws Go Up In Smoke", or "Whoa Dude, This Cheese Is Full Of Holes!".No references to hippies, potheads or Jefferson Airplane? Someone really dropped the ball on this one.Could things really be changing? [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by ras james rsifwh on March 16, 2001 at 11:26:51 PT swiss alps The Swiss Alps are getting higher and more beautiful all the time. Jah bless the Swiss. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by lovecobain on March 16, 2001 at 09:47:34 PT: finally!!! I'm glad to see that more places are thinking about legalizing pot. It's really no worse than alcohol. Actually it's better. People are more peaceful and easygoing when smoking pot. i just wish the U.S could see that. smoke up!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on March 16, 2001 at 09:31:33 PT Oh No Dr. Ganj! Please don't leave! I'm only kidding and if you do decide to leave I sure would understand! FreedomToExhale [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by Dr. Ganj on March 16, 2001 at 08:53:55 PT Swiss Miss Ganja Company Looks like I might pack my bags! I'm sick of being paranoid here in the U.S.. What a dream to walk down isles and isles of legal gnarly ganja! Who knows, I might even ship buds worldwide to get the whole planet stoned! (Cheap prices, too) See you all in Montreaux!Dr. Ganj [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by aocp on March 16, 2001 at 07:16:07 PT: There ya go... Authorities say the law, which has the backing of all cantons and most major political parties, reflects the widespread consumption of cannabis in Switzerland and the need to regulate it.And so we have it. What is the first step in realizing the futility and complete immorality of MJ prohibition? Accepting the fact that MJ is, has and is going to continue to be around and consumed by consenting adults. It's a big step, but really quite crucial to getting anywhere in this debate.Once that is established, you find yourself with two options, regarding its control: (a) the gov't can do it, or (b) criminals can do it if the gov't is feeling lazy. I don't care what the antis say ... if they do not accept those two options, that means they're still clinging to some pipedream of an MJ-free society and it ain't gonna happen. Which, of course, is why we find ourselves back at the first big step.Way to go, Swiss!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by sm247 on March 16, 2001 at 04:55:32 PT Thanks ! love the swiss way of thinking at least someone has used their head for once in this world also thanks to netherlands thailand and belgium !!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by cocaine on March 16, 2001 at 01:13:27 PT: legalization of marijuana thank you,know i´ can role a join without beeing whit angoish at the police... [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by dddd on March 15, 2001 at 23:56:32 PT this is really good The main problem the rest of the worlds governments will now face,is the reallyakward question of how to regulate and control the newly legalized herb.It's way easier to grow a plant,than distill liquor,or process opium.This is the mainfear of those who oppose legalization of MJ.They will probably try to come up with some silly honor tax for those who growtheir own weed.....dddd [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Mr. 2toes on March 15, 2001 at 23:30:42 PT haha *waits for the media to tell switzerland there wrong* [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by NiftySplifty on March 15, 2001 at 22:55:37 PT Swiss Miss, how come you taste so good? This is great! Maybe more European places will do the same. Hell, I hope Canada does it! (Obviously, the US would be my first choice).Nifty... 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