How are drugs regulated in Portugal?

How are drugs regulated in Portugal?

Portugal decriminalized the public and private use, acquisition, and possession of all drugs in 2000; adopting an approach focused on public health rather than public-order priorities.

How is Portugal doing with decriminalized drugs?

Drug policy reform in Portugal was combined with a change in approach to drug education, moving away from abstinence-based ‘just say no’ campaigns. Drug use in schoolchildren has been consistently below the European average for the past twenty years. Rates in 2019 were roughly the same as 2001.

Why did Portugal legalize drugs?

The drug policy of Portugal, informally called the “drug strategy”, was put in place in 2000, and came into effect in July 2001. Its purpose was to reduce the number of new HIV/AIDS cases in the country, as it was estimated around half of new cases came from injecting drug use.

What drugs are legal in Portugal?

Portugal has not changed the legal status of any drugs. They all remain illegal, however, the offence for possession has been changed from a criminal to a civil one. Here is how the system works. Portugal decriminalised use and possession of all drugs in a way that moves the focus from criminal punishment to treatment.

What is the difference between legalization and decriminalization?

Legalization of cannabis is the process of removing all legal prohibitions against it. Cannabis would then be available to the adult general population for purchase and use at will, similar to tobacco and alcohol. Decriminalization is the act of removing criminal sanctions against an act, article, or behavior.

What countries have legalized all drugs?

Portugal. In 2001, Portugal became the first European country to abolish all criminal penalties for personal drug possession, under Law 30/2000. In addition, drug users were to be provided with therapy rather than prison sentences.

What are the PROs and CONs of decriminalizing drugs?

PROs: Eliminate the criminal activity and increase associated industry jobs and tax revenues. CONs: Likely to substantially increase drug sales and consumption, as well as public health and safety harms in the population as more people use it.

What country has legalized all drugs?

Portugal
Portugal. In 2001, Portugal became the first European country to abolish all criminal penalties for personal drug possession, under Law 30/2000. In addition, drug users were to be provided with therapy rather than prison sentences.

What European country has legalized drugs?

In 2001, Portugal became the first European country to abolish all criminal penalties for personal drug possession, under Law 30/2000. In addition, drug users were to be provided with therapy rather than prison sentences.

Why did Portugal decriminalize drugs?

Portugal decriminalized the use of all drugs in 2001. Weed, cocaine, heroin, you name it — Portugal decided to treat possession and use of small quantities of these drugs as a public health issue, not a criminal one. The drugs were still illegal, of course.

Is Portugal’s drug policy a success?

The success of the Portugal Drug Policy has seen a dramatic recovery in the nation’s drug problem. Even remaining steady through several conservative government leaders who had been elected since its inception. The Portugal Drug Policy allowed for a broad range of services to work together and effectively serve their communities.

What does the decriminalization of drugs mean?

Decriminalization is the removal of criminal penalties for drug law violations (usually possession for personal use). Roughly two dozen countries, and dozens of U.S. cities and states, have taken steps toward decriminalization.