At the meeting, there was a lively discussion on the issue of depenalisation, decriminalisation and regulation of drugs – with a clear division between member states on these issues. Harm reduction, reassuringly, was not subjected to any such controversy.
The content of the INCB presentation continued to support for improved access to controlled medications and for the abolition of capital punishment for drug-related offences, but the punitive ethic about drug control remains.
A serious debate is taking place around the future of drug policies and such discussion is no longer taboo. But, the UN drug control bodies are unable to proactively engage and lead a progressive discussion on an increasing outdated treaty framework.
The purpose of International Hospice and Palliative Care Day, like all the other “days’ identifying vulnerable populations or causes to celebrate, is to draw attention to the unique and wonderful vocation of hospice and palliative care providers around the world.
In his statement, Dr. Naidoo drew attention to the need to increase capacity to prevent, treat and rehabilitate from drug dependence, the need to ensure adequate availability of control substances for medical purposes.
Although there was a great deal of variety in the topics covered by breakout sessions and keynote speakers, a significant portion understandably focused on the rising United States cannabis industry.
The debate over the regulation of marijuana in Brazil is gaining strength at the Federal Senate after a popular suggestion was received online, by the e-Citizen Portal, at the beginning of February 2014.
There remain many flaws and weaknesses in analysis and the positions taken in certain areas continue to be marked by ideology, rather than science and evidence.