Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
 |  Follow Newser on Twitter   Friend Newser on Facebook   Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds   Subscribe to Newser emails Newsletters


4

UN Backs Off Hard Line on Drug Crimes

Today's report marks significant change in attitude

Share

(Newser) – The United Nations did a 180 today on its drug decriminalization stance, praising the policy Portugal instituted in 2001 and asserting it has “not led to an increase in drug tourism” as had been feared, the Huffington Post reports. The annual drug policy report opposed full legalization while conceding that drug controls do create an “illicit black market”—a significant nod to legalization backers.

When Portugal decriminalized personal drug possession in 2001, the UN suggested the policy violated international drug treaties; today’s report put those concerns to rest and acknowledges the country's drug-related problems have decreased. The US drug czar—who has said decriminalization is not “in my vocabulary”—will be on hand for the announcement of the report at today’s World Drug Day in Washington.

US Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske addresses the crowd of over 2,500 Drug Court Professionals during the opening plenary at the NADCP Annual Training Conference in Anaheim, Calif. on June 11, 2009.
US Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske addresses the crowd of over 2,500 Drug Court Professionals during the opening plenary at the NADCP Annual Training Conference in Anaheim, Calif. on June 11, 2009.   (Phil McCarten/AP Images for The National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
A supporter of the legalization of cannabis protests during the Global Marijuana March in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, May 9, 2009.
A supporter of the legalization of cannabis protests during the Global Marijuana March in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, May 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
The UN did an about face on its stance toward drug decriminalization, the Huffington Post reports.
The UN did an about face on its stance toward drug decriminalization, the Huffington Post reports.   (©D.C.Atty)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
2.9.10
It’s the Sex, Stupid   
2.8.10
For Me, Palin Scores
4 comments
VIEWING:
 
Reader64481089
Jun 24, 09 12:38 PM CDT
And this is how it finally happens, not in a cataclysmic boom but slowly the world creeps slowly back towards sanity seeing drugs not as the enemy but as the illness which CAN BE TREATED. I think enough lives have been ruined by this misguided "WAR ON DRUGS" and it has failed miserably. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+9
IN RESPONSE:
justme
Jun 24, 09 2:10 PM CDT
How many lives will be ruined by greater availability?
Vote up! Vote down!
-5
IN RESPONSE:
OriginalMike007
Jun 25, 09 3:46 PM CDT
LOL justme as if anyone anywhere in America couldn't go get illicit drugs within an hour of right now. Drugs are readily available pretty much everywhere.
Vote up! Vote down!
0
rajanKazhmin
Jun 24, 09 3:19 PM CDT
Did you even read the article justme? "...the country's drug-related problems have decreased." decriminalization helps everyone. It's about regulation and treatment for those in need. The war on drugs is the most backwards and retarded policy ever. People are going to get high, deal with it. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+4
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

8 Stories

Drugs Czar Calls for End to 'War on Drugs'

Change in terminology signals shift in drug policy towards treatment instead of jail

May 14, 09 4:06 AM CDT

Drugs Czar Calls for End to 'War on Drugs'

Change in terminology signals shift in drug policy towards treatment instead of jail

(Newser) - The Obama administration's newly confirmed drug czar wants to ditch the term "War on Drugs," the Wall Street Journal reports. The combative term is a barrier to dealing with the issue properly, said Gil Kerlikowske, highlighting the administration's plans to deal with drug abuse as a public... More »

 Legalized Pot, 
 Cocaine Work 
 OK in Portugal 

Apr 26, 09 6:45 PM CDT

Legalized Pot, Cocaine Work OK in Portugal

(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... More »

Mom of Bristol Palin's Beau Faces Drug Charges

Soon-to-be grandma
arrested in Wasilla

Dec 19, 08 10:55 AM CST

Mom of Bristol Palin's Beau Faces Drug Charges

Soon-to-be grandma arrested in Wasilla

(Newser) - Cops in Wasilla have arrested Sherry Johnston, the soon-to-be grandmother of Bristol Palin's baby, on felony drug charges, the Anchorage Daily News reports. Johnston is the mother of 18-year-old Levi, the boyfriend of Bristol. The two gained the spotlight when it emerged during Sarah Palin's campaign that they were expecting.... More »

8 Stories


Report finds Britain is 'cocaine capital' of Europe
Times (UK)

More about World Drug Day
The News International

 
United Nations • drugs • Portugal • drug possession • drug charges • Gil Kerlikowske • World Drug Day • drug czar

from our news partners

Please wait, content is loading
Please wait, content is loading

Just For Laughs

Loading...