Panel of global leaders urges drug policy overhaul

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Panel of global leaders urges drug policy overhaul
By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press | September 9, 2014 | Updated: September 9, 2014 9:36pm

NEW YORK (AP) — A 21-member international panel urged a global overhaul of drug policies on Tuesday, calling for some drugs such as marijuana to be regulated, an end to incarceration for drug use and possession, and greater emphasis on protecting public health.

The Global Commission on Drug Policy said traditional measures in the "war on drugs" such as eradicating acres of illicit crops, seizing large quantities of illegal drugs, and arresting and jailing violators of drug laws have failed.

The commission's 45-page report pointed to rising drug production and use, citing the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime's estimate that the number of users rose from 203 million in 2008 to 243 million in 2012.

The commission includes former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan; the former presidents of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Poland, Portugal and Switzerland; British tycoon Richard Branson and former U.S. Federal Reserve chief Paul Volcker. It was established in 2010 with a stated purpose of promoting "science-based discussion about humane and effective ways to reduce the harm caused by drugs to people and societies."


Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Panel-of-global-leaders-urges-drug-policy-overhaul-5744808.php

[Comrade Grumpy]

1. Kick for the progress toward ending global drug prohibition. n/t

Next stop, UNGASS 2016.

[Lenomsky]

2. I applaude this ... good luck

[Uncle Joe]

3. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, Judi Lynn.

[Comrade Grumpy]

4. They are frankly calling for an end to global drug prohibition.

Decriminalization of drug use, regulation of illicit drug production and markets.

The commission is composed of former heads of state, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Virgin Airlines founder Richard Branson, among others.