Drug forum backs decriminalisation
Think-tank boss applauds SNP change in policy
THE Scottish Drugs Forum has welcomed the SNP’s adoption of drugs decriminalisation as official policy and called for immediate moves to put it into practice.
The influential body’s boss Dave Liddell said Police Scotland should copy some English and Welsh forces in dishing out warnings for drug possession instead of charges.
Liddell said: “We have seen some positive movements in Scotland under existing law – the use of recorded police warnings for cannabis possession, for example.
“These should now be extended to cover all drugs.”
The Record told yesterday how the SNP formalised its support for a health-based approach to drugs, leaning towards helping addicts rather than hitting them with criminal charges. The move came three months after our “Decriminalise Drug Use” front page declared what many Scots believe is the only way forward.
Liddell said: “Decriminalisation would address several issues that cause unnecessary harm to people who use drugs and others.
“The clandestine nature of drug use can stop people seeking information and help from treatment and other professionals.” The Nats unanimously backed decriminalising the possession of drugs at their party conference in Aberdeen.
Attendees called for the devolution of powers surrounding drug legislation.
There were 1187 drug-related deaths in Scotland, making it the worst nation in the developed world for drug deaths.