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Global Trends in Decriminalisation: A Quiet Revolution

This release explores the global trends in decriminalisation of drug possession, highlighting the benefits and limitations of this approach. It includes case studies from countries such as Portugal and Australia, examining the impact on criminal justice, public health, and social outcomes. The release also discusses the economic benefits and challenges associated with decriminalisation.

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Global Trends in Decriminalisation: A Quiet Revolution

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  1. ‘Global trends in decriminalisation: A quiet revolution ’ 2.0 Niamh Eastwood Release 16 May 2016

  2. Decriminalisation is not…

  3. Itis... • No criminal record • ‘De jure’ and ‘de facto’ models • ‘de jure’ schemes included any type of legislative process that decriminalised possession including discretionary schemes • Ignored escalated approaches e.g UK • Included states where only cannabis decriminalised

  4. Prevalence

  5. Impact of Criminalisation • Czech Republic – 2002 Cost benefit Analysis of criminal justice approach: • Penalisation of drug use had not affected the availability of illicit drugs; • There was an increase in the levels of drug use within the country; • The social costs of illicit drug use increased significantly.

  6. Health Benefits of Decriminalisation • Portugal introduction of decriminalisation of all drugs in 2001 & investment in public health led to: • Decrease in use amongst vulnerable groups including problematic users; • Reductions in the number of young people becoming dependent on harder drugs such as heroin. • The estimated numbers of injecting drug users in Portugal also decreased by over 40 per cent during that period. • Increases in the number of drug-dependent individuals in treatment. • Significant reductions in transmission of HIV and tuberculosis. • Significant decrease in the number of drug-related deaths and the increased investment in harm-reduction services. Source: Hughes CE, Stevens A. What can we learn from the Portuguese decriminalization of illicit drugs? British Journal of Criminology 2010;50:1008.

  7. Social Benefits of Decriminalisation • Australia (3 states have decriminalised cannabis possession) & have shown a capacity to keep individuals out of the criminal justice system. A comparative study showed individuals who were given criminal penalties suffered: • Negative employment, relationship and accommodation consequences • Increased likelihood of further contact with criminal justice system Source: Single E, Christie P, Ali R. The impact of cannabis decriminalisation in Australia and the United States. Journal of Public Health Policy 2000;21(2):167.

  8. Economic benefits Source Source: Savings in California Marijuana Law Enforcement Costs Attributable to the Moscone Act of 1976: A Summary, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs Vol. 20(1), Jan-Mar 1988, p 75-81, By Michael R. Aldrich, PhD and Tod Mikuriya, M.D

  9. What decriminalisation does not achieve • Little evidenced impact on supply side • Drug related violence • Destabilisation of states (‘narco-states’) • Trade still in the hands of organised crime

  10. Still in most cases a punitive approach: • Penalties/ Punishment Model • Pre trial detention • Registration of people who use drugs • Drug use still problematic

  11. But…

  12. UK local versus national

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