Scotland calls for decriminalization of drugs

The Scottish government believes that the war on drugs has «failed» and that it is time to decriminalize currently illegal substances, while promoting harm reduction services such as overdose prevention centers.

At a press conference held on Friday, July 7, the Scottish minister responsible for policy in drug-related matters and alcohol, Elena Whitham called on the government of the United Kingdom—of which Scotland is a part—to adopt a public health approach to substance abuse and to abandon the criminalization model.

Representatives of the British prime minister—and even the country's progressive party—have already rejected this request.

Call for Decriminalization

Scotland's position on the issue is partly supported by a guidance document published on the same day, which outlines the country's position on decriminalization and related issues.

In addition to ending the ban on personal possession of controlled substances, Scotland is calling for the legalization of safe drug consumption sites and improved access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse overdoses, and authorization to expand drug testing services in order to mitigate the risk of contamination in the illicit market.

«These are ambitious and radical proposals, based on evidence, that will help save lives,» said Elena Whitham. «We want to create a society where problematic drug use is treated as a health issue, not a criminal one, thereby reducing stigma and discrimination and enabling people to recover and contribute positively to society.»

The decriminalization of all drugs for personal use is one of several policies that the Scottish Government is calling on the UK Government to implement in a new paper on drug law reform. #DrugLawReform

Read more: https://t.co/wvcxKO2RVg pic.twitter.com/Txp7sVsnad

— Scot Gov Health (@scotgovhealth) July 7, 2023

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«We know these proposals will spark debate, but they are consistent with our approach to public health and would contribute to our national mission to improve and save lives,» the minister said. «We are working tirelessly within the powers available to us to reduce the number of drug-related deaths, and while we still have a long way to go, our approach is simply at odds with the legislation from Westminster under which we must operate.”.

The report and Friday's announcement come nearly four years after the ruling party in Scotland approved a resolution supporting decriminalization drugs in Scotland.

Rejection by the United Kingdom

But the British government in Westminster was quick to reject the proposal for reform. When asked about the possibility of acceding to Scotland’s request to revise drug laws, a spokesperson for the prime minister told STV News that the answer was «no.».

The representative stated that, although he had not seen Scotland's report on the decriminalization, «I am confident enough to say that there are no plans to change our strict stance on drugs.”.

This is not particularly surprising, as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, having clearly indicated that he supports the model of criminalizing drugs, stating that the government would step up the fight against drugs, which involves «strengthening» police forces and banning nitrous oxide.

https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1675881089166893056

Rachel Reeves, a senior Labor Party official, also said it was unlikely that Scotland's proposal would move forward.

«I don’t think this is a good policy,» she said. «I find it quite astonishing that this is a priority for the Scottish government,» amid government controversies unrelated to the issue.

The report by the Scottish Ministry of Drug and Alcohol Policy calls for «changing the legal framework within which Scotland responds to the drug-related deaths crisis, so that we can tailor policy decisions to our specific challenges.».

«The primary goal of the Scottish Government’s national mission is to reduce the number of deaths and improve living conditions. «Our goal is that no one should become dependent on substances, but if they do, they should be supported and not criminalized for this health condition.»

«These objectives will continue to guide our drug policy, regardless of the legal framework within which we operate, and we will work tirelessly to reduce drug-related harm within the powers devolved to Scotland,» the document continues. «We can do much more—and we will—to reduce the number of deaths and improve living conditions within the scope of these powers.»