As the movement to decriminalize illicit drugs in the U.S., accelerates, the New York Times explores what happened in Portugal when took that step in 2001—and concludes that its was largely beneficial although also somewhat misunderstood. Portugal’s plan decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs—but not drug trafficking—and at the same time significantly expanded access to substance-use disorder treatment and invested in harm reduction measures such as needle exchanges.
As a result, incarceration declined and the number of individuals in treatment rose: today, 75 percent of those with substance-use disorder in Portugal receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT), compared to less than half in the U.S. The overdose death toll is strikingly different in the two countries, with nearly 72,000 Americans dying in 2019 compared to less 100 in Portugal, which has a population of around 10 million. Many aspects of the Portuguese model are definitely worth studying, as we discuss ways to address the opioid epidemic and other drug crises.
Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is actively campaigning for a yes vote on marijuana legalization in November, promising voters that legal adult-use pot would spur economic development and tax revenue, and help right the wrongs of the criminal justice system that has disproportionately discriminated against communities of color. No word from the governor however on the potential risks to public health.
And finally, in Vermont, Governor Phil Scott is still on the fence about signing a bill to legalize marijuana. With just one day left to do so, Scott says he’s still concerned about social justice provisions in the bill after winning concessions on impaired driving and local control through community opt-out clauses.