Swiss voters decide on heroin and cannabis

The Swiss will decide this weekend on the government's drugs policy, including the prescription of heroin to addicts, and a proposal to decriminalise cannabis.

Although the cannabis decriminalization is not expected to pass, the heroin distribution program has popular support.

The official drugs strategy is based on prevention, harm reduction, therapy and repression. It was devised in response to the open drugs scene in Zurich and other Swiss cities during the 1990s.

Supporters, including a majority in parliament and many drugs experts, say the policy has helped reduce the number of drug-related deaths. They argue the prescription of heroin under medical supervision allows addicts to live a more normal life and even integrate into society.

There are about 3,000 registered addicts who benefit from the heroin distribution programme - some of whom later switch to a methadone-supported treatment.

Check back in a couple days to see how these referendums turn out.