Pubdate: Wed, 01 Oct 2003
Source: Associated Press (Wire)
Copyright: 2003 Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

EXAMPLES OF EUROPEAN POLICY ON CANNABIS USE

Some Examples Of Cannabis Policies In Europe:

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NETHERLANDS: Legislation dating back to 1976 decriminalized cannabis.
Consumption and sale allowed in so-called coffee shops, which have
annual sales around $3 billion.

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BELGIUM: Decriminalized possession of cannabis in 2002.

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BRITAIN: On Sept. 12, downgraded marijuana from Class B to Class C
drug. Possession now carries maximum sentence of two years, but
government says most offenders will get off with a warning.

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FRANCE: Possession of soft drugs risks heavy fine and year in prison,
but in practice cannabis use seldom prosecuted. Government may
eliminate jail time but toughen fines for cannabis use.

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NORDIC COUNTRIES: Possession and consumption of soft drugs
illegal.

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GERMANY: Cannabis consumption illegal, but possession of small
quantities seldom prosecuted, although varies in German
jurisdictions.

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GREECE: Cannabis smokers face prison if caught, but enforcement
lax.

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ITALY: 1993 referendum decriminalized possession of "minimum daily
dose" of marijuana.

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SPAIN: Possession of marijuana for personal use carries no
sanctions.

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PORTUGAL: Cannabis illegal, but under 2001 law those possessing small
amounts no longer jailed and instead given mandatory counseling, and
sometimes community service or small fine.

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CROATIA: Last month, ended criminal prosecution for possessing
marijuana for personal use. Sale remains punishable by up to 15 years
in prison.