Position Papers

Legalizing drugs is not a new idea. It was legal drugs that prompted the more restrictive policies that are sometimes dismissed as “prohibition.” An historical, global perspective can inform the current debate on the legalization of drugs. In its modern form nonmedical drug use dates back to the 19th century in China when opium smoking was established as a major social problem. In response, the first international conference promoting drug control was held in Shanghai in 1909.

Read more: Drug Policy Choices – The Swedish Way

Drug consumption is a world problem of epidemic character with severe health and social consequences that affects all countries, no matter their development level.

To face this problem the organized participation of society is required, through actions based on evidence that put the health of individuals and communities before other interests.   

There are voices that are in favor of the legalization of drugs and a free market, which ignore the positive results of interventions based on evidence.

They propose a free market in marijuana by presenting decision makers with arguments that are simplistic, biased and, at times, openly false.

Read more: Call to action in favor of prevention and against marijuana legalization