Turning Point supports drug decriminalisation

9 Mar 2022

Turning Point and the Monash Addiction Research Centre have today released an evidence-based position statement in support of drug decriminalisation.

Justice

It comes as the Victorian Parliament considers legislation to decriminalise the personal possession and use of drugs.

Professor Dan Lubman AM said in a Monash Lens article published today:

“The whole point of prohibition was to reduce drug use and drug-related harms. Not only has it failed to do so, it has had the opposite effect. Prohibition has expanded drug markets and created a more dangerous drug supply. Drug-related deaths increased 60% worldwide between 2000 and 2015. Illicit drugs now account for 1.3% of the global disease burden.”

“Portugal decriminalised the personal possession and use of drugs two decades ago. Despite widespread concern that it would encourage drug use and create chaos, this hasn’t happened. In stark contrast, drug use has not increased. Related crime has fallen. Health outcomes are better. Fewer people are dying. Order has been restored.”

“The COVID pandemic has reminded us all of the importance of evidence-based health policy in keeping people safe. The sooner we apply this pandemic lesson to drug policy, and decriminalise the personal possession and use of drugs, the better.”

Read the full article by Professor Lubman on why it’s time to decriminalise.

Read the Turning Point and Monash Addiction Research Centre’s evidence-based position statement.