5 Years After: Portugal's Drug Decriminalization Policy Shows Positive Results

Street drug–related deaths from overdoses drop and the rate of HIV cases crashes

In the face of a growing number of deaths and cases of HIV linked to drug abuse, the Portuguese government in 2001 tried a new tack to get a handle on the problem—it decriminalized the use and possession of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, LSD and other illicit street drugs. The theory: focusing on treatment and prevention instead of jailing users would decrease the number of deaths and infections. Full Story »

Posted by Derek Hawkins

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Dwight Rousu
4.0
by Dwight Rousu - Apr. 9, 2009

The story presents statistics that suggest decriminalizing the use of drugs reduced deaths and health problems. Dealing and trafficking is still a crime.

It is interesting that harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin were also included. Meth is not mentioned.

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