Decriminalisation, legal regulation & reform

Regulated drug markets

Blog20 September 2023

UN High Commissioner for Human rights calls for transformative change in drug policy in ambitious new report

Ann Fordham (IDPC Executive Director) analyses the key takeaways and significance of the OHCHR's latest report, noting how its call for transformative change includes an unprecedented recommendation to consider the responsible regulation of illegal drug markets.

News19 September 2023

California Senate passes amended psychedelics legalisation bill

While the bill still requires approval from the governor, the Senate's approval marks a significant step toward promoting safe and regulated access to psychedelics in California.

Events

Special event: Human rights challenges in addressing and countering all aspects of the world drug problem

Geneva, Switzerland

20 September 2023

The Panel will provide a platform for international human rights experts, representatives of State and civil society organisations to discuss findings and recommendations of the latest OHCHR report on the human rights impacts of drug policies.

News12 September 2023

Tackling Belgium’s drug problem: Legalising cannabis is ‘common sense,’ says Economy Minister

In line with neighbouring countries, Belgium's economy minister expresses support for a legally regulated model of cannabis, to better guide users, prohibit sales to minors, and redirect revenue from the criminal environment to the state.

News12 September 2023

The push to legalise psychedelics has ignored Indigenous communities

While the legalisation of psychedelics is a positive step toward global drug policy reform, it must not be at the expense of Indigenous communities, who have used psychoactive plants for emotional, physical, and spiritual healing for centuries.

News5 September 2023

US health department recommends looser restrictions on cannabis

Despite being legal for adult recreational use in 23 states in America, cannabis remains an illegal schedule 1 drug at the federal level, signaling an urgent need for reform.

News30 August 2023

Cannabis is illegal in Nigeria but provides a living for families - Study calls for rethink of drug laws

Cannabis growers rely on the crop as a source of vital income and would welcome the possibility of transitioning into a formal market, without stigma and criminalisation.

News26 August 2023

India: Punjab politicians renew demand for legalising opium sale, say 'it's part of our culture'

Calls for legal opium trade grow, citing the benefits of a regulated supply for youth and communities.

News22 August 2023

Ukraine approves first reading of bill to legalise medical cannabis

Ukraine takes a positive step towards drug policy reform as it green-lights the initial reading of a bill aimed at legalising medical cannabis.

News21 August 2023

If you care about the climate crisis, fight to legalise drugs

Huge profits from the drug trade are financing illegal industries responsible for destroying much of the Amazon, highlighting the often overlooked and complex relationship between drug prohibition and environmental degradation.

News16 August 2023

Germany unveils bill to legalise cannabis

The government declared the bill sought to replace failed cannabis policies, reduce the informal market and protect young people, but it is likely to face fierce parliamentary debate.

Publications15 August 2023

Bounded equity: The limits of economic models of social justice in cannabis legislation

Hendy et al. examine the potential, and limitations, of existing social equity provisions in cannabis legislation, pointing to the importance of reparatory frameworks that address structural forms of social exclusion.

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