The Swiss capital is considering introducing what is considered to be the world’s first system to legalize the sale of cocaine for recreational purposes. According to the New York Post, the Swiss parliament has supported this trial scheme to make the country’s widespread drug use safer. However, this proposal could still be rejected since it must overcome city opposition and a change in federal law to become a reality. According to the Post, this proposal comes as Switzerland reconsiders its policy on cocaine after several experts criticized total prohibitions as counterproductive. They contended that legalization provides for greater market control and safer use if people are already using drugs illegally.
“The war on drugs has failed, and we have to look at new ideas,” said Eva Chen, a Bern council member from the Alternative Left Party who co-sponsored the proposal. “Control and legalization can do better than mere repression,” she added. However, Ms Chen also acknowledged that the pilot scheme is still far from implementation as important details like who would sell the drug and how it would be sourced are still under development. “We are still far away from potential legalisation, but we should look at new approaches,” she said, adding, “That is why we are calling for a scientifically supervised pilot scheme trial”.
“Cocaine can be fatal to both first-time and long-term users”
According to the publication, Switzerland’s education, social affairs, and sports department is presently compiling a report on the potential trial. However, many people are wary of legalizing the drug because it is highly addictive and even lethal. “Cocaine can be fatal to both first-time and long-term users.” “The consequences of an overdose, as well as individual intolerance to even trace amounts, can result in death,” the Bern government stated. Notably, the Post noted that Switzerland has one of the highest rates of cocaine use in Europe, with Zurich, Basel, and Geneva all ranking among the top ten cities in Europe for cocaine use. Drug use in these cities has increased as cocaine costs have plummeted considerably over the last five years.
“We have a lot of cocaine in Switzerland right now, at the lowest prices and the highest quality we have ever seen,” said Frank Zobel, deputy director at Addiction Switzerland. “You can get a dose of cocaine for about 10 francs these days, not much more than the price for a beer,” Mr Zobel added.Â
