Drug decriminalisation
2001–ongoing
Verified 21 May 2026 · Data dated 21 May 2026
Fresh · 8d ago
Portugal decriminalised possession of small quantities of all drugs in 2001, redirecting users from criminal courts to Dissuasion Commissions which can refer them to treatment. Drug supply remains criminalised.
Outcomes
Drug-related deaths and HIV transmission fell sharply; problematic drug use halved in the decade after the law. Imprisonment for drug offences dropped substantially. The model has been cited by reformers worldwide and partially adopted in Oregon (US, 2020) and parts of Canada.
Organisations involved
- Harm Reduction International
Research and advocacy organisation focused on drug policy, harm reduction, and the death penalty for drug offences.
Sources
Last verified 21 May 2026. This is editorial; we hand-curate this section. Spotted an error? Submit a correction.