Human Rights–Based Approach to Drugs Policy

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com

The need for a human rights–based approach to drugs policy

 http://greenparty.ca/media-release/2011-06-02/need-human-rights-based-approach-drugs-policy

The need for a human rights–based approach to drugs policy

The Green Party recommends the following actions:

• Legalize marijuana by removing marijuana from the drug schedule.
• Create a regulatory framework for the safe production of marijuana by small, independent growers.
• Develop a taxation rate for marijuana similar to that of tobacco.
• Establish the sale of marijuana to adults for medicinal or personal use through licensed distribution outlets.
• Educate the public about the health threats of marijuana, tobacco and other drug use.
• Provide increased funding to safe injection sites, treatment facilities and addict rehabilitation which have now proven to be economically and socially in the best interests of the country.

Decriminalization in Europe has proven successful in lowering the rates of drug use.  Portugal’s decriminalization of narcotics in 2001 has resulted in it now having the lowest use of narcotic drugs in the European Union.  The Green Party is recommending that following the UN Conference, the Canadian government should launch a public consultation on the decriminalization of illicit drugs, considering the current high costs of the law enforcement effort.