Bern: In an unprecedented move, Switzerland is contemplating a groundbreaking program that could permit the legal sale of cocaine for recreational purposes, potentially marking the world's first such initiative.
The parliament in Bern has reportedly shown support for this experimental project, aiming to address the country's extensive drug use by making it safer. However, the scheme faces significant hurdles, requiring both city approval and a revision of federal laws to materialise.
This proposal emerges as Switzerland reevaluates its stance on cocaine, with experts questioning the effectiveness of complete bans. Proponents argue that legalisation could provide better market regulation and safer usage, particularly since drug use persists despite existing prohibitions.
Eva Chen, a council member from the Alternative Left Party in Bern and a co-sponsor of the proposal, highlighted the need for novel approaches in drug policy. "The war on drugs has failed, and we have to look at new ideas," remarked Chen. "Control and legalisation can do better than mere repression," she added.
Chen acknowledged that while the pilot program is in discussion, essential specifics, including the drug's distribution and sourcing, remain unresolved. She stressed the need for exploring innovative methods, stating, "We are still far away from potential legalisation, but we should look at new approaches," advocating for a scientifically supervised trial.
Switzerland's education, social affairs, and sports directorate are actively preparing a report on the prospective trial. However, reservations persist regarding the drug's legalisation, mainly due to its highly addictive and potentially fatal nature. The Bern government highlighted the life-threatening risks associated with cocaine, especially for first-time users or those intolerant to even small doses.
Switzerland grapples with soaring cocaine use, with Zurich, Basel, and Geneva ranking among the top 10 European cities for cocaine consumption. This surge in drug use coincides with a significant drop in cocaine prices over the past five years, as reported by Addiction Switzerland, indicating a worrying trend in the country.
"We have a lot of cocaine in Switzerland right now, at the cheapest prices and the highest quality we have ever seen," expressed Frank Zobel, deputy director at Addiction Switzerland. Zobel emphasised the alarming affordability of cocaine, with prices as low as 10 Swiss francs, nearly equivalent to the cost of a beer, raising concerns about increased accessibility and potential health risks.