Decriminalization.

[swestrup]

I'm surprised that no one told me, but Portugal decriminalized all drugs way back in 2001. From all appearances this has been a smashing success. In fact, this seems to have pretty much achieved for the Portuguese what the War on Drugs was supposed to have achieved for America (and didn't).

Comments

[hendrikboom.livejournal.com]

I'd still worry about secondary effects, such as criminal organizations using Portugal as a safe haven from which to support criminal activities in other countries. While that may not affect Portugal directly, it could affect relations with those other countries.

I can imagine severe diplomatic problems with the U.S. if Canada were to decriminalize drugs.

There are probably ways in which these adverse consequences can be mitigated.

-- hendrik