Scottish Greens vote ‘overwhelmingly’ in favour of decriminalising drugs

Members of the Scottish Greens have voted overwhelmingly in favour of decriminalising drugs, saying “the war on drugs has failed”.

The motion, which was voted on at the party’s conference on Sunday, calls instead for a drug regulation system that offers “support rather than stigma” to drug users.

The measure was proposed by Shetland Greens member Amy Garrick-Wright alongside councillor Alex Armitage, and backed by MSP Maggie Chapman.

The motion calls for the expansion of safe consumption rooms for drug users, as well as the “controlled prescription” of drugs.

It would also see drug safety testing made available in town and city centres and at festivals.

The party said regulating rather than outlawing drugs would reduce the harms associated with their use, production and supply – including reducing the power of organised criminals.

Speaking after the vote Mr Armitage, who is a consultant paediatrician on Shetland, said he was glad the party had backed what he described as an “urgent, pragmatic and evidence-based approach to drug use”.

He went on: “Scotland is the worst affected country in Europe for drug-related harm, and we urgently need to change what we are doing to address it.

“The war on drugs has failed. Politicians who tell us that prohibition works are deluded – the idea that we can arrest our way out of drug-related harm is a complete fantasy.”

He said he was motivated to “reform our broken and badly outdated drug laws” in part because he had seen “far too many vulnerable teenagers” come to A&E with stab wounds from getting caught up in drug-related violence.

He continued: “Human beings have always used drugs and we should get rid of failed policies that are based on moralising and punishment.

“People who get into trouble with addiction need medical and psychological support, not a criminal record.

“I hope that other parties will consider their approach and that we can build a compassionate system that offers support rather than stigma.”

This was echoed by Maggie Chapman, who said it was “obvious” the war on drugs had failed.

“Our appalling drugs deaths numbers tell us this,” she said.

“Instead of criminalising those who need support and care – an approach we know doesn’t work, we can choose a different approach.

“This well-evidenced policy does this, while freeing up valuable resources to spend on rehabilitation and recovery that has compassion and care at its heart.”