Why We Campaign
Release campaigns for changes to UK drug policy to bring about a fairer and more compassionate legal framework to manage drug use in our society.
The criminal justice approach to drug use, where addicts are imprisoned, young recreational users are criminalised, and powerful narcotic substances are controlled not by the state but by an unregulated network of drug traffickers and dealers, is damaging and ineffective.
Drug policies should be based on evidence, fully respect human rights and be approached from a public health perspective. The aim of these policies should be to minimalise the harmful impact that drugs have on individuals and society, and this can only be achieved by practical and appropriate drugs legislation.
We campaign on a broad agenda for drug policy reform that includes:
- greater investment in drugs education
- fairer sentencing guidelines to prevent unnecessary incarceration of women
- recognition that drug use is a personal choice and a civil right
- recognition that the majority of drug use does not warrant interference from the state
- increased access to support and health care services for problem drug users
We also campaign on specific issues which this year include:
- Hepatitis C — access to treatment for all
- Drug paraphernalia — legal distribution of all harm reduction equipment
- Women in Prison — fairer sentencing guidelines for drug mules
- Medical cannabis — access to drug for pain relief for a number of medical conditions
