European Union adopts progressive drug policy plan

The European Union has decided to adopt a new action plan for its drug policy, which the European Commission published on July 5. in this document.

Even if drug policy isn't the main concern of the European Union, already busy with the migration crisis and Brexit proceedings, the subject nevertheless remains on the minds of representatives and its member countries.

The emergence of new medicines and synthetic drugs, and the growing number of European countries authorizing the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes. like Greece, Poland or Cyprus yesterday to adopt new responses.

The representatives of the member states underline their overall concern about drugs in the European Union. Pathologies such as hepatitis C, HIV infections and overdose death rates among injecting drug users such as heroin are on the rise.

The EU's preventive and progressive approach

The EU's new drug policy relies on the introduction of prevention programs to limit the dangers associated with taking drugs. To limit the opiate crisis, for example, the EU plans to distribute substitutes, so that people who abuse them reduce, or even stop, their consumption. This is the first time the EU has officially recognized that such programs are innovative and should be implemented.

Drug prevention for young people is also highlighted in the new action plan. «Changing best practice on all types of prevention actions targeting children and young people, parents and educational settings, while taking into account the specific needs of each gender community-based programs or programs using internet and social media» stipulates the text.

The EU's aim is to raise awareness among minors of the dangers of using and selling drugs, particularly cannabis, which can be a major source of addiction. dangerous when used during adolescence.

In addition, on the subject of a decriminalization of drugs, No consensus was reached among member states. The new action plan does, however, call on them to apply coercive measures. These measures must be specific to drugs, and ensure that prison is used as a sanction of last resort. The action plan also states that penal measures should not be applied for simple possession and/or consumption of drugs, whatever it may be.

At the same time, the UN recently called for worldwide decriminalization of all drugs.

With regard to cannabis, and according to the above report, the European Union is seeking to provide detailed analyses of research into cannabis legislation, particularly in relation to its therapeutic use.

Like the Cannabis Social Clubs Spain or the Netherlands, which have their own cannabis models, future EU representatives must create platforms and organize forums to enable scientists and European citizens in general to organize discussions and find solutions. Member states must then decide for themselves on their own cannabis policy.

The European Union's approach is clearly progressive, but leaves it up to member states to decide their own drug policies, at local and national level.

Mehdi Bautier