Bern, Switzerland’s capital, hopes to legalise cocaine

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Bern, Switzerland’s capital, may permit the sale of small quantities of cocaine for recreational use. It is situated in the centre of Europe. The medieval old town of this place embodies a rich cultural heritage.

Bern has managed to preserve its inherent qualities and traditional Swiss culture within a limited, compact area. Alongside this, Bern was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Bundesplatz, the Bernese parliament, endorsed the idea, but the opposition of the city government must also be addressed. It will take cooperation between the two to change the national legislation. 

Switzerland is expected to reevaluate its drug policy in light of criticism from experts and politicians who dismissed the idea as ridiculous and unworkable. Moreover, because the legalisation of cocaine is still in its early stages, trials are being conducted before it can be officially legalised. 

Increased cocaine use

Switzerland happens to have the highest levels of cocaine usage in Europe. The assessment was conducted using waste water as a measure of the metabolites released by illegal drugs. 

In light of the halving of cocaine prices over the last five years, Bern, the capital of Switzerland, has witnessed an increase in usage. 

The director of Addiction Switzerland, Frank Zobel, informed the media that cocaine is reasonably priced and of excellent quality.  

Law reform is required

The Swiss Parliament may decide to change the law prohibiting the drug’s recreational use, in which case the entire trial may be required.

According to political analysts, Bern may therefore have to wait years or even sooner if the current cannabis schemes—which sell the drug at pharmacies—produce positive results.

Switzerland has a reputation for being obstinate when it comes to changing and passing laws involving other drugs. Bern would therefore bide its time and hope for a favourable result. 

« Back to Page