TRANSFORM Report Highlights: The High Costs and Low Returns of Drug Criminalization
Dear Supporters,
First of all, kindly accept my sincere apology for bringing this important update, a bit late. Today, we bring to you yet another example of the 'Constant Failure' of PROHIBITION approach and the reasons WHY?? 'Criminalization & Incarceration' of drug users isn't helping the U.K. and other countries with strict drug laws to Control and Reduce the rate of drug use. The latest findings from an article published by TRANSFORM: Drug Policy Foundation on 5th September 2023, further underscores the urgency and importance of our cause.
Key Points
Ineffectiveness of Criminalization: Despite massive investments in punitive enforcement, the UK's drug criminalization hasn't reduced drug usage. Over three million UK citizens used drugs last year despite potential legal consequences.
Lack of Policy Efficacy: The UK Home Office's 2014 report and subsequent studies reveals NO correlation between strict drug policies and lower drug use rates.
True Reasons for Abstinence: Most users avoid drugs due to personal disinterest or health concerns, NOT legal fears.
Minimal Impact of Legal Fear: Few users quit drugs due to fear of police, with a Global Drug Survey showing only 3% quitting cannabis and 2% stopping cocaine or MDMA use due to this fear.
Harsher Penalties Ineffectual: Even with stricter penalties, arrest risks remain low, with cannabis possession arrests in the 1990s at a mere 1-3%.
Racial Bias in Enforcement: In 2022, there were 7.5% 'stop and searches' for every 1,000-white people, compared to 52.6% for the same number of Black people in England and Wales, further straining police-community relations without reducing drug use itself.
The TRANSFORM article reinforces our call for drug policy reform. Current policies don't work, they rather exacerbate racial disparities. We urge you to spread these findings and support our cause for a more compassionate drug policy by sharing this petition with your network of family-friends, relatives, colleagues & co-workers.
Thank you for your dedication.
Best wishes,