Principles of a New Drug Policy in Western Europe From a Spanish Point of View (From Drug Policies in Western Europe, P 321-341, 1989, Hans-Jorg Albrecht and Anton van Kalmthout, eds. -- See NCJ-120465)

• NCJ Number: 124081
• Author(s): J L Diez-Ripolles
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: Max-Planck-Institute Fur Auslandisches und Internationales Strafrecht
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: West Germany (Former)

Annotation

This presentation of a Spanish perspective on drug policy in Western Europe emphasizes the need for an integrated policy that addresses all stages of the drug issue from production to consumption and that recognizes that the repressive policies that have been the basic strategy have clearly failed.

Abstract

In addition, the distinction between legal and illegal drugs should be eliminated as soon as possible. Moreover, use should be distinguished from abuse, and the focus should be on substances that produce dependence. Agreement generally exists regarding the appropriate elements of prevention and treatment, but the appropriateness of decriminalization of drugs is still a subject of disagreement. Drug trafficking is a major focus of concern, although the aim of the United Nations to widen the concept of trafficking is inappropriate. Therefore, the new types of offenses and other provisions proposed by United Nations agencies should receive careful study. Footnotes and 30 references.