Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Legalized Pot, Cocaine Work OK in Portugal

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 26, 2009 6:45 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Portugal decriminalized drug possession 8 years ago, so it must have high abuse rates, right? Not according to a new study from the Cato Institute, Time reports. Teen drug use and HIV infection from needles have declined, and more addicts now enter treatment programs. "Judging by every metric, decriminalization in Portugal has been a resounding success," one researcher says.

Meanwhile, America boasts the world's highest rates of marijuana and cocaine use. But with drug gang wars escalating on the American border with Mexico, one US professor remains skeptical, attributing Portugal's success to the cyclical nature of drug epidemics. A Cato researcher jumped on his admission that drug use failed to rise in Portugal: "That is the central concession that will transform the debate," he said.

Portugal's lax drug laws and well-funded treatment plans have caused abuse rates to decline significantly.
Portugal's lax drug laws and well-funded treatment plans have caused abuse rates to decline significantly.   (Shutterstock)
Rapper Ilyich Sato, known as Equipto, smokes outside of The Cannibis Company during a 4:20 block party in San Francisco, Monday, April 20, 2009.
Rapper Ilyich Sato, known as Equipto, smokes outside of The Cannibis Company during a 4:20 block party in San Francisco, Monday, April 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
A Hindu holy man smokes ganja, or marijuana, as he sits on the bank of the River Ganges on a cold morning in Allahabad, India, Friday, Dec. 19, 2008.
A Hindu holy man smokes ganja, or marijuana, as he sits on the bank of the River Ganges on a cold morning in Allahabad, India, Friday, Dec. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)
Supporters including Abdullah, far left, smoke marijuana with Ed Rosenthal, third from left, outside of the federal courthouse in San Francisco, Friday, April 13, 2007.
Supporters including Abdullah, far left, smoke marijuana with Ed Rosenthal, third from left, outside of the federal courthouse in San Francisco, Friday, April 13, 2007.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Corey Kelly, who is HIV positive, smokes medicinal marijuana at the Alternative Herbal Health Services cannabis dispensary July 13, 2006 in San Francisco.
Corey Kelly, who is HIV positive, smokes medicinal marijuana at the Alternative Herbal Health Services cannabis dispensary July 13, 2006 in San Francisco.   (Getty Images)
An older woman smokes a marijuana joint at Hempfest on August 21, 2004 in Seattle, Washington.
An older woman smokes a marijuana joint at Hempfest on August 21, 2004 in Seattle, Washington.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

The impact in the life of families and our society is much lower than it was before decriminalization. - Joao Castel-Branco Goulao,
Portugal's "drug czar"

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
kokuaguy
May 22, 2009 4:01 AM CDT
So riffan would agree with the rest that pot should be decriminalized. If riffan hasn't visited the Law Enforcement Against Prohibition website (google leap) I suggest doing so.
riffran
Apr 28, 2009 9:25 AM CDT
"Fundamentalist ideal -- same with abortion. Now, riffran, why do you say, "destroying your body with drugs"? Is that what "getting high" means to you?" ....................how many young teenagers have you saved from OD on coke, heroin, X, PCP or some other drug..(notice pot is NOT in there)...hmmmmm...lets see I geuss cerebral bleeding, cardiovasculat damage, systemic infection, liver damage, kidney damage, , rotten teeth, deep vein thrombus formation, muscle wasting, mental illness from dependancy issues, reckless and often dangerous behavior induced by hallucinations, to say a few IS WHY I SAY DESTROYING YOUR BODY....that clear it up enough for you.....by the way....try reading up on the effects of drugs on the system are before assuming it's because of fundamentalist beleifs......it might scare the hell out of you
riffran
Apr 27, 2009 11:12 AM CDT
can't argue that point...

Decriminalization is 'sensible'
Seattle Times

Decriminalizing drugs would raise tax revenue, fight violence
Wall Street Journal

 
drugs • drug addiction • HIV • Portugal • treatment • drug possession • decriminalization

More Newser Stories

Brain Scans of Addicts' Siblings Offer a Clue

Next to Decriminalize Marijuana: Chicago?

After 20 Years, Scientists Crack HIV Puzzle

Obama Pot Policy a Victory for States' Rights

MTV Will Show DJ AM's Drug-Intervention Show
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne