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UK: I think the Greens’ ‘fantasy’ drug policies make sense – and I’m a doctor
(www.independent.co.uk)
I think we should seriously look at the Portugal model. Your article only very briefly mentions it, but it's basically :Decriminalise (personal possession and use of) all drugs, provide safe needles, and most importantly treat addiction as a health problem not a criminal issue. They also required addiction treatment, fining those that refused and confiscating their belongings if they didn't pay, which would be good to see some evidence around before considering implementing it. This article touches on it but also talks about how Potugal fucked up by pulling back on resources spent on it and saw unraveling of their success.
As your article mentions, simply decriminalising it so people feel comfortable discussing their addiction with a doctor would go a long way. Your article also mentions another challenge, which is that opponents deliberately misrepresent what decriminalising means in order to scare people into their side, something I'm sure happens in NZ too.,