Because of the black market
Federal Drug Commission wants to legalize cannabis
The Federal Commission for Questions on Addiction and Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (EKSN) wants to lift the cannabis ban. This should be controlled and legally accessible, but not promoted.
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The Federal Commission for Questions on Addiction and Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (EKSN) wants to lift the cannabis ban.
The Federal Commission for Questions on Addiction and Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (EKSN) welcomes the lifting of the ban and the introduction of regulation of cannabis. This can be seen in a media release on Thursday. The Commission of Experts advises the Federal Council and the Federal Administration on questions relating to these topics.
The EKSN justifies its position with the fact that consumption in the population cannot be reduced with a ban on cannabis. In addition, the black market is flourishing, so the safety of consumers is not guaranteed.
Cannabis needs to be controlled
At the moment, the ban on cannabis is practically not being observed: consumption remains constantly high and cannabis is being produced on a large scale in Switzerland. In addition, criminal organizations would enrich themselves with the illegal income from the sale and would not pay any taxes on it.
Another problem, according to EKSN, is the lack of quality control: illegal products would have different and often high THC levels and contain mold and pesticides. Therefore, the Commission pleads for controlled products that can be bought legally under regulated conditions. However, as with tobacco or alcohol, access to cannabis products should only be possible for adults. Prevention would be easier for all target groups if cannabis was legally accessible.
Do not encourage use of cannabis
The EKSN criticizes models of limited access, such as the decriminalization of consumption or the levy within the framework of the health system. These are insufficient and would not represent an alternative to the black market. Access to controlled cannabis would thus be called into question. In addition, this would create gray areas and uncertainties, which would make effective regulation more difficult.
While the EKSN is committed to legal access to cannabis, it does not want to encourage its use. The acquisition should take place exclusively via non-profit-oriented sales models. According to the Commission, advertising, low prices or special offers would encourage consumption. (bgs)