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Nordic countries: Possession and use of soft drugs is illegal. Similar
policies to the U.S.
Britain: From January, 2004, marijuana, formerly Class B, will become a
Class C drug. Possession carries a maximum term of two years, but
most offenders will get off with a warning.
France: Possession of soft drugs risks a heavy fine and a year in
prison, but cannabis users are seldom prosecuted.
Germany: Cannabis use is illegal, but those possessing small
quantities are seldom prosecuted.
Greece: Users can face prison, but enforcement is lax.
Portugal: Cannabis is illegal, but those possessing small amounts are
no longer jailed but are instead given mandatory counseling, and
sometimes community service or a small fine.
Switzerland: Cannabis remains illegal, but probably not for long. A
government attempt to decriminalize it narrowly failed (2003), but police
still turn a blind eye to those smoking it in public.
Croatia: Prosecution for possession for personal use has ended, but
selling it is punishable by up to 15 years in jail.
Italy: A 1993 referendum decriminalized possession of a "minimum
daily dose" of marijuana.
Belgium: Possession of cannabis was decriminalized in 2002.
Spain: Possession of marijuana for personal use carries no sanction.
The Netherlands: Legislation dating back to 1976 decriminalized
cannabis. Consumption and sale of the drug is allowed in coffee
shops, with annual sales about UKP 1.8 billion.
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