Decriminalisation, legal regulation & reform

Decriminalisation

Publications11 December 2024

Beyond punishment: from criminal justice responses to drug policy reform

The Global Commission on Drug Policy exposes prohibitionist policies' role in fueling inequities and offers a roadmap for reform including harm reduction measures, decriminalsiation, and the legal regulation of drug markets,

News11 December 2024

‘War on drugs has failed, completely and utterly’: UN human rights chief

The High Commissioner emphasised the need for a radical shift in approach that prioritises health, dignity and inclusion.

Publications1 December 2024

'No penalties. No arrests. No jails': Perspectives on drug decriminalisation among people who inject drugs in Sydney

Dertadian and Sentas examine community members' drug policy preferences, noting widespread support for non-punitive responses, yet skepticism regarding politicians' capacity to effect change.

Publications12 November 2024

Cannabis regulation, EU drug law, trade rules and the UN drug control treaties

TNI, GDPO and WOLA engage with six European countries to discuss trends towards reform in cannabis policy, offering innovative solutions for legal tensions, coordination and policy development.

Publications11 November 2024

Ireland: Oireachtas Joint Committee on Drugs Use - Interim Report

The interim report makes recommendations in favour of decriminalisation, enhancing treatment options, expanded harm reduction options, and addressing social inequity.

News11 November 2024

Racial profiling and drugs: the United Nations reprimand Italy

The UN Human Rights Council denounced the country's racialised drug policing and recommended the decriminalisation of simple possession and the de-prioritisation of people involved in retail.

News7 November 2024

It's been 12 months since small amounts of illicit drugs were decriminalised in the Australian Capital Territory

Despite initial reservations, rates of drug use have remained similar while access to harm reduction services has increased.

Publications4 October 2024

UN CESCR reports reveal drug policy and harm reduction shortcomings in seven countries

Recent UN CESCR observations on a seven countries emphasise the need for rights- and health-based drug policies, including decriminalisation and access to harm reduction.

News2 October 2024

Ireland: GPs and pharmacists support removal of criminal sanctions for drug users

The Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Pharmacy Union said that drug use should be decriminalised and paired with health-based interventions to combat rising rates of drug-related death.

News2 October 2024

Canada: Drug decriminalisation is under attack

Communities must unite against the political weaponisation of the overdose crisis and defend human-rights-focused solutions such as decriminalisation and harm reduction.

News2 October 2024

Thailand decides not to re-criminalise cannabis as it eyes $1bn medicinal industry

The proposed system would restrict access beyond medicinal use.

Publications2 October 2024

Visit to Mexico - Report of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

The expert group recommended the government abandons the punitive approach to drug use and dealing, and seek alternatives to detention.

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