Nordic organizations urge unity in preserving public health-centered drug policies

27.11.2024 - A coalition of Nordic organizations has issued a call to preserve public health-centered drug policies amid evolving global approaches to drug regulation. Writing in Sweden's Dagens Arena, representatives from a range of Nordic NGOs emphasized the importance of safeguarding restrictive and health-oriented drug policies while sharing lessons learned from international developments.

A pivotal moment for drug policy

The article highlights the current global drug policy landscape as a time of significant change. While some countries and U.S. states have moved toward legalizing cannabis, others are focusing on expanding preventive measures and strengthening treatment frameworks. The authors stressed the Nordic tradition of prioritizing public health in drug policy, describing it as a cornerstone that must be upheld in the face of shifting trends.

In recent days, over 50 representatives from various Nordic organizations gathered to discuss the international drug situation and how the Nordic countries can adapt their policies to current developments. The meeting underscored the need for national-level dialogues informed by international experiences, particularly as countries like Germany move toward cannabis legalization. Nordic countries, the authors argue, should emphasize collaboration and the exchange of knowledge to champion humane and restrictive drug policies.

Lessons from legalization experiments

The joint statement reflects on the outcomes of cannabis legalization in North American states and countries. According to the authors, data shows that legalization has not reduced drug-related harm, consumption, or gang-related criminal activity. Instead, the legal cannabis industry has fueled market expansion through significant investments in product development, marketing, and lobbying. The United Nations' International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has also noted that the goals of legalization remain largely unmet.

The statement warns that the European cannabis industry is eyeing future investments, with Germany and several other countries exploring legalization. However, alternative approaches within Europe, such as France's efforts to curb demand and the UK’s ambitious ten-year drug strategy, illustrate that restrictive and preventive measures remain viable paths.

A call to action

The Nordic representatives called for continued commitment to reducing drug-related mortality and consumption. Despite relatively low levels of drug use in Nordic countries compared to much of Europe, the authors noted the need for a dual approach: reducing both supply and demand while providing robust support for individuals struggling with addiction. They pointed to Norway's proposed shift toward more restrictive policies as an example of this balanced strategy.

To steer the desired national and European developments, the authors outlined key priorities for strengthening drug policies:

• Allocate sufficient resources for systematic, long-term prevention and early intervention.

• Ensure access to swift, evidence-based addiction treatment within cohesive care frameworks, including recovery support.

• Document and share experiences and knowledge at national and international levels.

• Maintain prohibitions on drug use, imposing fines for minor offenses while offering treatment for individuals with addiction.

• Keep commercial interests out of public health policies.

The statement concludes with a firm call to preserve public health as the central focus of drug policy in the Nordic region. By aligning with like-minded nations and emphasizing evidence-based strategies, the authors argue, Nordic countries can continue to lead the way in humane and effective drug policy.

The article was co-authored by representatives from organizations including Sveriges Landsråd för Alkohol- och Narkotikafrågor and Narkotikapolitiskt Center (Sweden), Alkohol & Samfund (Denmark), IOGT-NTO (Sweden), Actis (Norway), and others, reflecting a unified Nordic stance on the issue.

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The original article in Dagens Arena