The Swiss capital Bern is considering a pilot project that would allow the legal sale of cocaine for recreational purposes, introducing a unique and radical approach to the fight against drugs. Although the idea has gained support in the Bern’s parliament, it faces opposition from the city’s government and would also require a change in national law, on Wednesday, the 20th of December, reports Reuters.
Switzerland is reviewing its stance on drug policy as some politicians and experts believe that a total ban is not effective. The proposal, which is at an early stage, coincides with ongoing trials to allow the legal sale of cannabis in pharmacies.
Bern Council member Eva Chen, representing the Alternative Left, supports the proposal: “The war on drugs has failed and we need to look for new ideas,” adding that control and legalisation can achieve more than full prohibition.
Switzerland, which is a wealthy country, ranks at the top in Europe for cocaine use according to water waste measurements.
Cocaine use is on the rise in Swiss cities including Bern, Geneva and Basel,
and cocaine prices have halved in the last five years, according to Reuters.
Frank Zobel, deputy director of Addiction Switzerland, pointed out that there is plenty of cocaine in the country, which can be bought at the lowest prices, in highest quality ever seen. “At the moment, a dose of cocaine can be bought for around ten francs, which is not much more than the price of a beer,” said Zobel.
Political experts believe that a decision on the proposed pilot project for the legal sale of cocaine could be taken in a few years, or even sooner if the current cannabis project proves successful.
Chen said the proposed legalisation of cocaine would include quality control and awareness campaigns
aimed at reducing the illegal market and addressing the potential risks of use.
Some experts are concerned about the highly addictive nature of cocaine and the associated health risks, while others advocate a more pragmatic approach to reduce the health harms of cocaine, considering existing patterns of use.
Leo, a cocaine user from Geneva, supports the proposed legalisation of cocaine, arguing that it would improve access to treatment, reduce violence and crime associated with the drug trade, and improve quality control. He believes that countries that legalise or decriminalise drugs have better results in health policy and prevention.
Several European countries, including Spain, Italy, and Portugal, have abolished prison sentences for possession of drugs, including cocaine, but Bern’s proposal goes a step further, writes Reuters.
Also read: Police in Britain crack down on marijuana operation; 1 000 people detained
Follow us on Facebook and X!