Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is contemplating a groundbreaking move to legalize the recreational sale of cocaine. This pilot program, still in its early stages, faces several hurdles, including opposition from the city and the need for a change in federal law.
This proposal is part of a global shift in drug policy, with various countries and U.S. states reevaluating their approach to drug control, including decriminalization and legal recreational use of substances like marijuana. Bern’s initiative is driven by the belief that legalization allows for better control over drug markets and safer usage.
Eva Chen, a Bern council member from the Alternative Left Party and co-sponsor of the proposal, argues that the traditional “war on drugs” has failed. “We have to look at new ideas,” she asserts, emphasizing the need for controlled legalization over mere repression.
Switzerland, noted for its high standard of living, also records some of Europe’s highest cocaine usage levels. Major Swiss cities like Zurich, Basel, and Geneva rank among Europe’s top 10 for cocaine consumption. Frank Zobel, deputy director at Addiction Switzerland, points out the alarming trend of increasing drug use, accompanied by dropping prices. “Cocaine is now as cheap as a beer,” he says, underlining the drug’s pervasive presence in Swiss society.
However, the plan to legalize cocaine has sparked controversy. The Bern government cautions about the drug’s potentially life-threatening effects, even in small quantities. Experts like Boris Quednow from the University of Zurich’s Centre for Psychiatric Research emphasize cocaine’s high addiction risk and potential health complications, including heart damage and mental health issues.
Yet, proponents like Thilo Beck from the Arud Zentrum for Addiction Medicine argue that since cocaine use is already widespread, regulation could ensure safer consumption. “People use it, so we should try to ensure they do it in the least damaging way,” Beck states.
For the pilot program to proceed, the Swiss parliament must first amend existing laws that prohibit recreational cocaine use. This potential policy shift represents a radical departure in drug policy, not just for Switzerland but on a global scale. As the debate continues, Bern stands at the forefront of a significant and controversial discussion on drug legalization and control.
