Scottish Government bids to make drug possession for private use authorized
Ministers stated the transfer, outlined in a brand new paper on drug regulation reform, would permit individuals present in possession of medicine to be handled and supported moderately than criminalised and excluded.
Decriminalisation would additionally imply that with no legal report, individuals in restoration would have a greater probability of employment, the Government stated.
Other proposals embody rapid legislative adjustments to permit Scottish ministers to implement hurt discount measures resembling supervised drug consumption services, and elevated entry to the life-saving drug naloxone.
We wish to create a society the place problematic drug use is handled as a well being, not a legal, matter
The doc outlines measures which might be carried out by additional devolution, independence, or adjustments enacted instantly by the UK Government to help the work being finished inside present powers to cut back drug deaths.
Scottish medicine coverage minister Elena Whitham stated: “These are ambitious and radical proposals, grounded in evidence, that will help save lives.
“We want to create a society where problematic drug use is treated as a health, not a criminal, matter, reducing stigma and discrimination and enabling the person to recover and contribute positively to society.
“While we know these proposals will spark debate, they are in line with our public health approach and would further our national mission to improve and save lives.
“We are working hard within the powers we have to reduce drug deaths, and while there is more we need to do, our approach is simply at odds with the Westminster legislation we must operate within.”
Other proposals embody a highway map for additional exploration of drug regulation reform, centered on proof and the discount of hurt, together with an replace of the drug classification system to be primarily based on harms brought about.
Ms Whitham stated a direct manner for these insurance policies to be enacted could be for the UK Government to make use of its present powers to vary its drug legal guidelines.
She added: “Scotland needs a caring, compassionate and human rights-informed drugs policy, with public health and the reduction of harm as its underlying principles, and we are ready to work with the UK Government to put into practice this progressive policy.”
The UK Government has been requested to remark.