 The Scottish Government is calling on the UK Government to decriminalise all drugs for personal supply. Ministers said the move, outlined in a new paper on drug law reform, would allow people found in possession of drugs to be treated and supported rather than criminalised and excluded. Decriminalisation would also mean that without a criminal record, people in recovery would have a better chance of employment, the Government said. Other proposals include immediate legislative changes to allow Scottish ministers to implement harm reduction measures such as supervised drug consumption facilities, and increased access to the life-saving drug naloxone. Scottish drugs policy minsister Elena Whitham said the move would reduce crime and help save lives (Picture: Getty) The document outlines measures which could be implemented through further devolution, independence, or changes enacted immediately by the UK Government to support the work being done within existing powers to reduce drug deaths. Scottish drugs policy minister Elena Whitham said: 'These are ambitious and radical proposals, grounded in evidence, that will help save lives. 'We want to create a society where problematic drug use is treated as a health, not a criminal matter, reducing stigma and discrimination and enabling the person to recover and contribute positively to society. 'While we know these proposals will spark debate, they are in line with our public health approach and would further our national mission to improve and save lives. 'We are working hard within the powers we have to reduce drug deaths, and while there is more we need to do, our approach is simply at odds with the Westminster legislation we must operate within.' Other proposals include a road map for further exploration of drug law reform, focused on evidence and the reduction of harm, including an update of the drug classification syst){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The Scottish Government is calling on the UK Government to decriminalise all drugs for personal supply.
Ministers said the move, outlined in a new paper on drug law reform, would allow people found in possession of drugs to be treated and supported rather than criminalised and excluded.
Decriminalisation would also mean that without a criminal record, people in recovery would have a better chance of employment, the Government said.
Other proposals include immediate legislative changes to allow Scottish ministers to implement harm reduction measures such as supervised drug consumption facilities, and increased access to the life-saving drug naloxone.