Decriminalisation, legal regulation & reform

Drug law reform

Publications14 August 2025

Criminalizing public space through a decriminalization framework: The paradox of British Columbia, Canada

Singh Kelsall et al. argue that British Columbia’s rollback of decriminalisation is a form of bio-political violence, a state-sanctioned massacre cloaked in public health policy.

Publications13 August 2025

Legal and policy considerations on decriminalisation of drug use and possession for personal use: International legal framework and the UN system common position on drug-related matters

UNODC presents its perspective on the role of treaty flexibilities in enabling decriminalisation as part of health-based approaches, identifying related reforms and alternatives to punitive measures.

Publications13 August 2025

Vienna after consensus: Report of the 68th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs

IDPC highlights the creation of an independent review and deepening divides on harm reduction, human rights, and Indigenous rights.

News12 August 2025

How can drug decriminalisation be built to last?

Though often framed as a cure-all, decriminalisation is only one piece of the puzzle, and its success depends on the holistic improvement of social support.

IDPC in the Media12 August 2025

How can drug decriminalisation be built to last?

Filter Mag

Publications21 July 2025

Guide to compassionate governance

OPIS explains that criminalising drug use causes harm and that reform demands compassion, care, and smarter laws.

Publications21 July 2025

State adult-use cannabis policy effects on law enforcement efforts to disrupt drug markets

Montgomery et al. find that U.S. cannabis legalisation reduced overall drug seizures, but racial disparities persisted, underscoring the need for more systemic change.

News10 July 2025

'Changing the current drug policy regime has become a life cause for me' – An interview with Colombia’s ambassador-at-large for drug policy, Laura Gil

Colombia’s Ambassador Laura Gil reflects on challenging the global drug regime, breaking taboos, and building hope for a post-Prohibition future — one coalition at a time.

News9 July 2025

Historic change is underway for rethinking global drug policy

The recent landmark resolution at CND, mandating an independent review panel, signals momentum for drug policy reform centred on health and rights.

Blog3 July 2025

Indonesia’s drug policy at a crossroads: A shift towards rights-based reform?

Indonesia’s drug policy is under review as civil society pushes for health- and rights-based reforms, including legal changes, better treatment access, gender-sensitive harm reduction, and respectful kratom regulation rooted in indigenous knowledge.

Events

Support. Don’t Punish: Advancing towards a health and human rights-based approach to drug policy

Geneva, Switzerland

27 June 2025

This event will explore how harm reduction and human rights can shape drug policy reform, against the backdrop of debates on the matter at the Human Rights Council and the Support. Don't Punish Global Day of Action.

News16 June 2025

Punjab needs healing: Drug policy struggles in India

Politicians in Punjab have renewed calls for a zero-tolerance approach to the drug market, but escalating harms necessitate a reorientation towards harm reduction and human rights.

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