Swiss Voters Help Legalize Heroin Program

2008-12-01 22:16:02 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Law, News)

Swiss voters approved by a surprising majority the permanent legalization of a comprehensive heroin program on Sunday. Wired PR News.com – As reported by the Associated Press, the program, offered in 23 Swiss cities, has been in existence since 1994 and is credited with helping a number of drug users as well as reducing crime rates across Switzerland.

The program is stated to work by allowing a selected number of addicts, who have tried other treatments that failed, to visit the centers two times per day for a measured heroine dose. As noted in the AP report, the program’s goal is to assist addicts with properly functioning in society.

Despite any identified benefits of the heroin program, it has been heavily criticized by the United States and U.N. Narcotics Board. Some believe that it has the potential to contribute to increased drug abuse. Other governments however, have considered it as an option for use in dealing with drug abuse issues in their own countries, with some already having tested model programs.

Switzerland voters also voted against decriminalizing marijuana.