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: --- NETHERLANDS: Legislation dating back to 1976 decriminalized cannabis. Consumption and sale allowed in so-called coffee shops, which have annual sales around $3 billion. --- BELGIUM: Decriminalized possession of cannabis in 2002. --- 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. --- 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. --- NORDIC COUNTRIES: Possession and consumption of soft drugs illegal. --- GERMANY: Cannabis consumption illegal, but possession of small quantities seldom prosecuted, although varies in German jurisdictions. --- GREECE: Cannabis smokers face prison if caught, but enforcement lax. --- ITALY: 1993 referendum decriminalized possession of "minimum daily dose" of marijuana. --- SPAIN: Possession of marijuana for personal use carries no sanctions. --- 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. --- CROATIA: Last month, ended criminal prosecution for possessing marijuana for personal use. Sale remains punishable by up to 15 years in prison.