A new report from the Swedish Drug Policy Center argues that drug prevention is not only a public health issue but a human right - especially for children. Released alongside an op-ed in Göteborgs-Posten, the report highlights rising cannabis use among parents in Canada and criticises the global drug policy debate for sidelining prevention in favor of legalization narratives.

Norway’s government has reached a cross-party agreement on the second part of its prevention and treatment reform, keeping drug use illegal while introducing simplified fines for minor offences. Youth under 18 will be referred to advisory units instead. Actis welcomes the move, calling it a step toward more effective and predictable drug policy.

On April 10, the Norwegian government presented Part II of its prevention and treatment reform in the field of drug policy. The proposed legislation addresses the criminal and procedural aspects of the reform, aiming to ensure that individuals with serious and long-term drug problems are not punished for their illness. At the same time, the government maintains that drug use should remain illegal to prevent initiation, particularly among youth.

Nordic experts stress the need for evidence-based, public health-focused drug policies to counter rising global legalization trends.

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