Why it matters: The Swiss capital of Bern is considering launching a pilot program to study the effects of legal cocaine sales. This comes as a response to the increasing use of cocaine in Switzerland and the failure of prohibition policies to curb this issue.
What they are saying: Advocates for the pilot program believe that regulating and controlling the supply, distribution, and purity of cocaine would be a more effective approach than prohibition. They argue that falling prices and rising levels of cocaine use in Switzerland make legalization and control a logical solution.
The big picture: If approved, the pilot program in Bern would be the first of its kind in the world. While some countries have decriminalized personal possession or cultivation of cocaine, it remains largely illegal for any purpose.
What to watch: The proposal has passed the Bern Parliament but still needs approval from the city government and would require a legislative change at the national level. It will be important to monitor the progress of the adult-use cannabis pilot program, upon which the success of the cocaine pilot program may depend.
Your take: Legalizing cocaine for adult use is a controversial and risky move. While proponents argue for harm reduction and the futility of prohibition, the highly addictive nature of cocaine raises significant concerns. It will be crucial to consider comprehensive measures to ensure safety, quality control, and harm reduction if such a program were to be implemented.
