Norwegian government plans to decriminalize drug possession

The Norwegian government has proposed that the use and possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use would no longer be punishable. As in Portugal since 2001, drugs would remain illegal but decriminalized.

Instead of a penalty, individuals found with illicit drugs will be required to attend a medical consultation. Although attendance at this consultation is mandatory, failure to attend will not be punished.

The report States: «The attendance requirement is intended to clarify that drug use remains illegal, while the meeting itself is intended to provide people with a foundation for receiving help and follow-up if needed. People will also be informed about the potential consequences and risk factors associated with drug use.»

«Decades of repression have taught us that punishment doesn't work. On the contrary, punishment can worsen things,» Minister of Education Guri Melby said Friday at a press conference. «Drug addicts need help, not punishment.»

«We will no longer stand idly by and watch people be stigmatized and called criminals when they are actually sick,» the official said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Bent Hoeie, who belongs to the Norwegian Conservative Party, agreed with the government that «young people can be motivated to change their behavior without the threat of force or criminal sanctions.» He added that the proposed policy change «will make it easier to seek help when they need it, as they will not have to fear prison or fines.».

If people are caught with large quantities of drugs, they can be prosecuted for sale or distribution, as is currently the case. The committee's proposal for restricting quantities for personal use is as follows:

The current Norwegian government only holds a minority in parliament. The adoption of the law will therefore require the support of the opposition, with some arguing that the measure could encourage drug use.

In 2017, the Norwegian parliament voted to decriminalize drugs, without the initiative going any further. A commission linked to the Ministry of Health issued a report in December 2019, in which it recommended that the government decriminalize.