In a remarkably progressive tone, the Scottish Government recognises the failure of the ongoing UK Drug Strategy and stresses the need to move towards the legalisation and regulation of all drugs.
On July 7th, the Scottish Government published the report “A Caring, Compassionate, and Human Rights Informed Drug Policy for Scotland”. The document presents a roadmap for the future of drug policy and law in Scotland. It lays out evidence-based proposals to address the challenges related to drug use and the harms caused by the prohibitive approach currently guiding policies. The document calls for a comprehensive approach to drug policy focused on health, human rights, and harm reduction. In a remarkably progressive tone, the Scottish Government recognises the failure of the ongoing UK Drug Strategy and stresses the need to move towards the legalisation and regulation of all drugs.
Background:
In 2021, there were 1,330 overdoses in Scotland, the second highest annual total on record. People in the 20% most deprived areas were more than 15 times as likely to have a drug misuse death. Ending criminal sanctions for people in possession of drugs for personal use; the provision of a full range of harm reduction services and support; and improvement in the accessibility and acceptability of treatment services for people who experience drug dependency are all required to address the public health emergency that Scotland has been in for some years.
Scotland has made progress on all these fronts, and yet the prevalence of people experiencing drug dependence and the number of drug-related deaths remain very high by international standards, underpinned by persistent broader health inequalities. Further innovation and investment are clearly required – and these can only be achieved by implementing legislation that complements a drug policy approach centred on compassion, access to health and respect for human rights.
The limitations of the current UK legal framework hinder drug policy implementation that effectively reduces harm. The Scottish report highlights that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which governs drug laws in the UK, is not aligned with a public health approach. It fails to adequately address the health aspects of drug dependency, treating it primarily as a criminal issue rather than a health condition. The report emphasises the need for bold legislative changes that complement compassionate, evidence-based drug policies in Scotland and provide a roadmap to the legalization of all drugs.
Support from Civil Society:
Youth RISE is one of the ten civil society organisations working in drug policy and harm reduction that strongly support the Scottish Government Report. In a joint statement, we underscored the importance of the evidence-based proposals put forth in the document. We welcome this report as a step towards the UN’s advice for member states and the development of effective policy and services in Scotland.
We commend the Scottish Government for listening to the voices of people with lived and living experiences, highlighting the need for a compassionate and respectful approach. We stress the need to acknowledge how drug policies based on health and human rights yield better outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and society at large.
Legislative reform shifting away from prohibitionist policies is imperative to address the challenges associated with drug dependency, ensuring equity in health access. This recognition is vital for addressing the damaging impact of discrimination, stigma, and inequalities faced by individuals who use drugs.
Alignment with Scientific Evidence:
The Scottish Government Report aligns with the latest scientific research, emphasising the need for evidence-based approaches in drug policy. As mentioned in this article by B. Nosyk and E. Wood, evidence-based drug policy starts with good evidence and ends with policy reform. The Scottish report takes this principle to heart, proposing progressive reforms grounded in rigorous research and evaluation.
The Scottish report acknowledges that the criminalisation of drug users and enforcement-based supply-side approaches have proven ineffective in reducing harm. Instead, it advocates for policies that prioritise public health, harm reduction, and the well-being of individuals. By embracing this evidence-based approach, Scotland can pave the way for innovative interventions that effectively respond to the particular needs of its people while also guided by international lessons learned.
Including the Perspectives of Young People:
As we look to the future of drug policy in the UK and Scotland, it is crucial to meaningfully include the perspectives of young people. The voices and experiences of young individuals are valuable in shaping policies that reflect their needs and challenges. By involving young people in drug policy discussions, we can ensure their unique lived experiences and concerns are considered and addressed to produce more inclusive and effective policies. Youth RISE commends the Scottish Government’s commitment to listening to the voices of people with lived and living experiences.
The Scottish Government Report on Drug Policy is a powerful example of evidence-based and compassionate approach to addressing drug-related challenges. We call on other countries to adopt similar strategies, emphasising the need for health-centred policies and harm reduction. We also stress that reforming the UK’s legal framework is urgent and imperative.
The report sends a clear message to the UK government: prioritise health over criminalisation, treat drug dependency as a health condition, and achieve equity in treatment. By embracing bold and progressive reform, the UK can ensure humane and effective drug policies that prioritise the well-being of its people.