With governments pursuing a variety of tactics to restrict drug use, distribution, and trafficking, drug policy has become an important concern for many nations throughout the world. Yet, there has been a lot of discussion and criticism around drug policies over the years. Criminalization and punishment are some of the most widely used drug policy strategies. In many nations, it is against the law to use or possess drugs, and those who do so face fines or even prison time. Punitive drug laws, however, have not been found to be successful in lowering drug use or the harms associated with it, according to research. Instead, they have increased the incidence of incarceration, having a disproportionately negative impact on underprivileged populations and sustaining racial and social inequality.Many nations have investigated alternate strategies in response to the shortcomings of conventional drug policy. Harm reduction is one strategy that seeks to lessen the harmful effects of drug usage. Providing access to clean needles, medications that prevent overdoses, and addiction treatment are a few examples of harm reduction measures. Harm reduction recognises that drug use is a complicated problem that cannot be resolved exclusively by prohibition and punishment.
Legalization is yet another alternate drug policy strategy. In order to make drugs legal, criminal sanctions for drug use and possession must be removed, and drug manufacturing, distribution, and sales must be governed. While several other nations have legalised cannabis for medical purposes, only Uruguay and Canada have made it legal for recreational use.By removing the criminal market and guaranteeing that drugs are produced and dispensed safely, legalisation has the potential to lower drug-related harms. Concerns exist, though, regarding the potential drawbacks of legalising, such as an increase in drug usage and addiction.The United Nations’ efforts to create a worldwide framework for drug policy have an impact on international drug policy as well. These agreements are made to encourage international collaboration in reducing drug supply and demand. However, the efficiency of these accords has been contested, with some contending that they continue harsh drug policies and give priority to the interests of strong nations. The criminalisation of drug consumption and possession for personal use has led to negative consequences for the health, security, and human rights of individuals and communities worldwide. It drives those most in need away from vital health interventions or places them in prison with significant implications for public health. Criminalisation fuels incarceration rates, overcrowded prisons and overtaxed criminal justice systems, placing individuals at increased risk of arbitrary detention and inhuman or degrading treatment while incarcerated. Treating drug possession for personal use as a crime intensifies discrimination. Individuals are in increased conflict with the law, which lowers their chances for employment, education and other opportunities for social inclusion. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) reviews and analyzes the global drug situation, considering the interrelated issues of prevention of drug abuse, rehabilitation of drug users and supply and trafficking in illicit drugs. It takes action through resolutions and decisions.
Moreover, it should be noted that drug policy is a complicated and dynamic topic that necessitates a thorough comprehension of the myriad problems related to drug usage. The effectiveness of traditional drug policies centred on criminalization and punishment has been demonstrated to be low, and they frequently contribute to inequality. Alternate strategies for minimising drug-related harms and treating drug use as a public health problem include harm reduction, decriminalisation, and legalization. The creation of drug policy necessitates an openness to novel approaches to this urgent societal issue. India’s drug policy has drawbacks. The government’s low funding has made it difficult for it to successfully administer drug legislation and offer sufficient treatment for drug addicts. Due to this, there is insufficient infrastructure, skilled employees, and funding to effectively combat the drug problem.The success of India’s drug strategy has been seriously hampered by corruption in law enforcement organizations. As a result, drug trafficking has been permitted to continue unabatedly because corrupt officials are turning a blind eye to the issue.By making drug users criminals, a large number of people have been imprisoned, which has led to social stigma and prejudice against them. Moreover, this has caused the overcrowding of prisons, which further makes the problem worse.
Author: S.Roshni, 5th year BA.LLb,Kerala Law Academy Law College,Trivandrum