Swiss voters have backed a change in health policy that would provide prescription heroin to addicts. Final results from the national referendum showed 68% of voters supported the plan. The scheme, where addicts inject the drug under medical supervision at a clinic, began in Zurich 14 years ago before spreading across the country. But in another referendum, the Swiss appear to have rejected the decriminalisation of cannabis.
Swiss voters have backed a change in health policy that would provide prescription heroin to addicts.
Final results from the national referendum showed 68% of voters supported the plan.
The scheme, where addicts inject the drug under medical supervision at a clinic, began in Zurich 14 years ago before spreading across the country.
But in another referendum, the Swiss appear to have rejected the decriminalisation of cannabis.
The Swiss have backed the government's drugs policy, including the prescription of heroin for hardcore addicts, but cannabis consumption will remain illegal. In a major upset in Sunday's nationwide ballot, voters came out in favour of a proposal to tighten legal provisions against paedophile criminals, extending indefinitely the statute of limitations. An early retirement scheme and plans to curb the powers of environmental groups were opposed by a clear majority.Final results show 68 per cent of voters approved a plan by parliament to enshrine in law the government's four-pillar drugs policy.The rightwing Swiss People's Party and a small ultra-conservative group had challenged the decision to a referendum and called for abstinence-based methods.
In a major upset in Sunday's nationwide ballot, voters came out in favour of a proposal to tighten legal provisions against paedophile criminals, extending indefinitely the statute of limitations.
An early retirement scheme and plans to curb the powers of environmental groups were opposed by a clear majority.
Final results show 68 per cent of voters approved a plan by parliament to enshrine in law the government's four-pillar drugs policy.
The rightwing Swiss People's Party and a small ultra-conservative group had challenged the decision to a referendum and called for abstinence-based methods.
We got rid of the policy under US pressure and now there is a serious problem.
I wish somebody would try legalisation of cannabis. Decriminalisation still keeps supply in the criminal community. I think the dutch ideas have suffered cos it's become a tourist trade and the proportion of self-destructive users bussed in is very high. these self-destructive people become a magnet for people who have worse things to offer.
Prohibition always creates more social problems with organised criminality than the social problems it supposedly cures. keep to the Fen Causeway
