Italian law subjects personal possession of certain prohibited drugs to administrative sanctions instead of criminal punishment.
Personal possession is defined by a certain weight for each drug.
The new legislation would triple the quantity of drugs for personal use subject to administrative rather than criminal penalties. Administrative sanctions include measures such as loss of drivers' licenses, gun permits and passports. The legislation was proposed by Prime Minister Guiliano Amato and approved by the Cabinet on January 12. Most criminal justice officials in Italy have backed the measure as a means to reduce overcrowding. The legislation must be codified by both houses of the Italian Parliament, but the Cabinet decree is in force pending approval, which was anticipated within three months.