Already today, it is illegal to use or possess prohibited drugs, such as cannabis, for personal use. The penalty is usually a fine.
But the government proposes that even the preparation and attempts of minor drug offenses become illegal, which would make far more acts punishable. What will ultimately be deemed a crime is still unclear – ultimately it will be up to the courts to draw the line.
“Will definitely hit more”
Albin Stenström is a PhD student in criminology at Stockholm University and studies the police’s work against narcotics. He is skeptical that the police will have time to investigate all the new crimes added to the law, but still sees risks.
– It is guaranteed to hit far more groups than criminal networks. It has the potential to be very extensive, he says.
In addition to the increased criminalization, six months’ imprisonment will become a minimum sentence for basically all drug sales. Even in that case, there is a risk of meeting groups other than gang criminals, says Stenström.
– A 19-year-old girl who sells ecstasy to her friend in the pub can also be subject to six months in prison, he says.
Sweden stands out
At the same time that Sweden is tightening, several other European countries have moved towards the decriminalization or legalization of more drugs, for example Germany. Even Norway, which previously had a very restrictive drug policy, has come close to decriminalizing its own use.
– In the last 20 years, more and more countries have abandoned the idea of punishing the drug problem and instead switched to a more harm-minimizing policy, says Albin Stenström.
The Riksdag votes on the proposals on 3 May.