10 year anniversary of Portugal's drug legalization

Kaneman · 07-21-2011, 09:18 AM

This month marks the 10-year anniversary of Portugal's radical decision to decriminalize the possession of all drugs -- not just marijuana, but cocaine, heroin and everything else in Keith Richards' suitcase. Many experts predicted disaster -- a nation of drug abusers.

Well, 10 years later, the opposite has happened.

According to a report on AlterNet.org, Portugal was in the midst of a staggering epidemic of HIV infection among drug users who used needles when it took the drastic step of legalizing all drugs.

It certainly worked for HIV infections, considering they plunged 17%. Meanwhile, drug deaths were cut by half overall.

As far as drug usage, just 10% of adults in Portugal now smoke marijuana. That is the lowest rate in the European Union, and is miniscule compared to the 40% rate in the United States. Heroin use is also down dramatically.

"There is no doubt that the phenomenon of addiction is in decline in Portugal," Joao Goulao, President of the Institute of Drugs and Drugs Addiction, said at a news conference to mark the 10th anniversary of the law.

Glenn Greenwald, who conducted a study of Portugal's drug usage in 2009 for the Cato Institute, told Time magazine, “Judging by every metric, drug decriminalization in Portugal has been a resounding success. It has enabled the Portuguese government to manage and control the drug problem far better than virtually every other Western country."

He added, "By freeing its citizens from the fear of prosecution and imprisonment for drug usage, Portugal has dramatically improved its ability to encourage drug addicts to avail themselves of treatment. The resources that were previously devoted to prosecuting and imprisoning drug addicts are now available to provide treatment programs to addicts."

Despite the apparently encouraging results out of Portugal, they are unlikely to sway American officials to make the same move. Government agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration are fiercely devoted to fighting the war on drugs in the same manner it has been conducted for the past 40 years.

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/healt...izes-all-drugs

Kaneman · 07-21-2011, 09:19 AM

A good study and report here:
http://www.cato.org/pubs/wtpapers/gr...whitepaper.pdf

shmike · 07-21-2011, 10:27 AM

40% of Americans smoke weed?

tommymac · 07-21-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmike

40% of Americans smoke weed?

that seems kind of high to me

shmike · 07-21-2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommymac

that seems kind of high to me

Well done.

askmrjesus · 07-21-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommymac

that seems kind of high to me

You mean like 40% high?

JC

tommymac · 07-21-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by askmrjesus

You mean like 40% high?

JC

Is that like almost pregnant

Dave · 07-21-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommymac

that seems kind of high to me

Seems low.

Avatard · 07-21-2011, 01:29 PM

They sell rolling papers at the 7-11. People are NOT rolling tobacco with this product.

It may not be 40%, but it's an absurdly high number, given the fact that we're still engaged in this silly prohibition.

This country could learn something from Portugal on this...but it would put many people out of work arresting, jailing, and feeding all of those prisoners we like to keep in cells.

American hypocrisy, and the war on drugs FTMFL.

07-21-2011, 09:18 AM	#1
Kaneman AMA Supersport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Odessa, TX Moto: 2000 Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird Posts: 4,931	10 year anniversary of Portugal's drug legalization This month marks the 10-year anniversary of Portugal's radical decision to decriminalize the possession of all drugs -- not just marijuana, but cocaine, heroin and everything else in Keith Richards' suitcase. Many experts predicted disaster -- a nation of drug abusers. Well, 10 years later, the opposite has happened. According to a report on AlterNet.org, Portugal was in the midst of a staggering epidemic of HIV infection among drug users who used needles when it took the drastic step of legalizing all drugs. It certainly worked for HIV infections, considering they plunged 17%. Meanwhile, drug deaths were cut by half overall. As far as drug usage, just 10% of adults in Portugal now smoke marijuana. That is the lowest rate in the European Union, and is miniscule compared to the 40% rate in the United States. Heroin use is also down dramatically. "There is no doubt that the phenomenon of addiction is in decline in Portugal," Joao Goulao, President of the Institute of Drugs and Drugs Addiction, said at a news conference to mark the 10th anniversary of the law. Glenn Greenwald, who conducted a study of Portugal's drug usage in 2009 for the Cato Institute, told Time magazine, “Judging by every metric, drug decriminalization in Portugal has been a resounding success. It has enabled the Portuguese government to manage and control the drug problem far better than virtually every other Western country." He added, "By freeing its citizens from the fear of prosecution and imprisonment for drug usage, Portugal has dramatically improved its ability to encourage drug addicts to avail themselves of treatment. The resources that were previously devoted to prosecuting and imprisoning drug addicts are now available to provide treatment programs to addicts." Despite the apparently encouraging results out of Portugal, they are unlikely to sway American officials to make the same move. Government agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration are fiercely devoted to fighting the war on drugs in the same manner it has been conducted for the past 40 years. http://www.opposingviews.com/i/healt...izes-all-drugs __________________ 1982 Honda XR80 - blown motor, 1993 Kawasaki ZX6D - sold, 2001 Suzuki Bandit 1200S - sold, 1984 Honda Magna - sold, 2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200R - blown motor, 2007 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom - totalled, 2003 Yamaha FZ1 - sold, 1994 Honda Magna - sold, 2001 Honda CBR600F4i - sold, 1998 Suzuki DR350 - stolen, 1989 Honda Super Magna - sold, 2007 Yamaha Stratoliner, 2000 Honda CBR 1100XX Blackbird

07-21-2011, 09:19 AM	#2
Kaneman AMA Supersport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Odessa, TX Moto: 2000 Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird Posts: 4,931	A good study and report here: http://www.cato.org/pubs/wtpapers/gr...whitepaper.pdf __________________ 1982 Honda XR80 - blown motor, 1993 Kawasaki ZX6D - sold, 2001 Suzuki Bandit 1200S - sold, 1984 Honda Magna - sold, 2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200R - blown motor, 2007 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom - totalled, 2003 Yamaha FZ1 - sold, 1994 Honda Magna - sold, 2001 Honda CBR600F4i - sold, 1998 Suzuki DR350 - stolen, 1989 Honda Super Magna - sold, 2007 Yamaha Stratoliner, 2000 Honda CBR 1100XX Blackbird

07-21-2011, 10:27 AM	#3
shmike Follower Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5,549	40% of Americans smoke weed? __________________ Racing For Smiles

07-21-2011, 01:29 PM	#9
Avatard Crotch Rocket Curmudgeon Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Here to integrity Moto: Li'l red baby Ninja Posts: 7,482	They sell rolling papers at the 7-11. People are NOT rolling tobacco with this product. It may not be 40%, but it's an absurdly high number, given the fact that we're still engaged in this silly prohibition. This country could learn something from Portugal on this...but it would put many people out of work arresting, jailing, and feeding all of those prisoners we like to keep in cells. American hypocrisy, and the war on drugs FTMFL. __________________ Insert free thought here.