Treat drug use as a public health problem. This is the goal of Belgium, which, like Portugal way back in 2001, wants to decriminalize its use.
The proposal, supported by the Belgian national commissioner for the fight against drugs Ine Van Wymersch, highlights a profound change in the approach to the drug issue. Which prefers prevention and social reintegration to the criminalization of citizens.
A decision that could definitely have implications positive. In fact, in Portugal, this type of maneuver has reduced heroin consumption and reduced overdose deaths and crime rates.
A reform also recommended by UN agencies, which, declaring the failure of the war on drugs, recommended that States “adopt alternatives to the criminalisation, zero tolerance and elimination of drugs, taking into consideration the decriminalization of use and a regulation responsible, to eliminate the profits of illegal trafficking, crime and violence".
| For further information: "The UN High Commissioner, the war on drugs must end"
The legalization of cannabis in Belgium
From the mayor of Brussels Philippe Close to the Minister of Economy and Employment Pierre-Yves Dermagne, the legalization of cannabis in Belgium is a topic of increasing interest.
In fact, Close, determined to tackle drug addiction in a "social-health" way, had declared that legalizing it is a "act of common sense", both to combat the dealing of hard drugs and to truly help users without criminalizing them.
Dermagne, on the other hand, in addition to the social benefits, also highlighted the enormous economic benefits deriving from the regulation of cannabis. Referring to the 4.7 billion euros per year estimated by the University of Düsseldorf for legalization in Germany.
Legalization which in the German country will officially come into force from April 1, 2024. The CSCs, however, will have to wait until July 1st of the same year to open.
| For further information: "Legalization of cannabis in Germany: starting from 2024"
* Photo by Despina Galani on Unsplash
