A new campaign has been launched by Turning Point Scotland advocating action on drug law reform.
A series of five films feature in the campaign from the leading social care developer and provider in Scotland, explaining why reform is necessary and what action can be taken now. The films have been released as TPS and partner organisations brace for the release of the Drug-related Deaths in Scotland 2021 statistics in a week’s time.
TPS experts in alcohol and other drugs, justice and policy highlight key issues of the ongoing debate around drug law reform, with a focus on reviewing the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). This legislation, now more than 50 years old, is the foundation of law, policy and practice around drugs in the UK.
The TPS Drug Law Reform films explore the following questions:
- Why do we need to be talking about laws around drug use?
- So what should the purpose of our law be? What are we trying to achieve?
- Do we just need a new law?
- Should we decriminalise drug use?
- What should we do next? How should we take this forward?
Turning Point Scotland Chief Executive Neil Richardson, features in the films.
‘‘Drug law reform in Scotland is a complex issue and only part of the solution. We need to consider what the options are for new legislation and what actions we can take now.
‘‘We now know the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) has had a much more limited effect than originally hoped. Any new legislation would have to be carefully written to focus our efforts on measures most likely to prevent and reduce harm and to respond effectively to harm that does occur.’’