What is the drug law reform?
Drug policy reform, also known as drug law reform, generally refers to proposed changes to the laws and regulations that governments promulgate with respect to substances that have psychoactive effects or a real or perceived potential to be used for recreational or other non-medical reasons.
When were drugs banned in Australia?
Australia signed up in 1913, and by 1925 the convention had expanded to include the prohibition of opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, and cannabis. These drugs were prohibited in Australia well before their use became widespread or problematic.
Why do we need drug reform?
Current drug policies are failing. After 50 years of the war on drugs, the supply and use of drugs hasn’t just increased—it’s created a massive illicit market that contributes to violence, amplifies conflict, and breeds corruption.
What is Australia’s drug policy?
Illicit drugs remain illegal but criminal penalties are replaced with civil penalties (such as fines). People who use or possess drugs can still be charged, especially if they do not comply with paying the fine or attending the assessment. Drug supply remains a criminal offence.
Should drugs be legalized?
Drug legalization would benefit the United States in several ways: save Federal, State, and local governments billions of dollars a year; lead to reduced crime and safer neighborhoods; and enhance public health.
Why are drugs banned?
The Reasons For Banning A Drug Are: Morbidity and mortality is more due to known adverse effects rather than unknown adverse effects. Some adverse effects are rare and cannot be elicited by clinical trials which highlight the commonly encountered adverse effects.
What country 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.
What if all drugs were legalized?
Drugs would become much cheaper-at least one-fifth the cost. Then five times as many people could and would buy them. We would then have five times as many addicts. This means instead of only 100,000 addicted babies being born to addicted mothers each year, we would have half a million.
What is Drug Law Reform Australia?
Drug Law Reform Australia is a deregistered political party in Australia. The aims of the party are to create a new regulatory system for illegal drugs in Australia, and influence the political debate around drug use towards decriminalisation and harm minimisation.
Where can I find out more about drug law reform?
www.druglawreform.com.au. Drug Law Reform Australia is a deregistered political party in Australia. The aims of the party are to create a new regulatory system for illegal drugs in Australia, and influence the political debate around drug use towards decriminalisation and harm minimisation.
Why do we need a drug reform policy?
Our drug reform policy calls for the need to change our dysfunctional law and order approach and move towards the successful harm minimisation models of overseas countries like Portugal and Uruguay. The current approach to reducing the harm that illicit drugs cause in our community is not working.
When did the author start advocating for drug law reform?
The author began publicly advocating drug law reform in 1987 and has worked on a voluntary basis for drug law reform full time since 2012. He is president of the Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation.