Decriminalizing of drugs, the only pathway

Drug trafficking and the black market largely stem from the global drug control system and the national laws that follow from it. Since 2016, major shifts have occurred in drug policies worldwide. Countries like Jamaica, Canada, and Mexico have adopted reforms that once seemed impossible. In the United States, states like Oregon, Colorado, and Washington have legalized cannabis, reflecting evolving public attitudes towards drug use, addiction, and recovery.

The 2016 United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Drugs (UNGASS) marked a turning point, highlighting the shortcomings of long-standing punitive drug policies. Instead of continuing with a strict prohibitionist approach, the global conversation shifted towards harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support. Resources such as https://www.methadone.org/clinics/oregon/ now provide essential services to people struggling with opioid addiction, helping them on their recovery journey through methods like methadone treatment.

These policy reforms are also designed to weaken the influence of black markets, with regulated cannabis industries emerging in places like Oregon. The regulation of these markets not only reduces the risks associated with drug use but also promotes healthier communities by addressing addiction and encouraging recovery programs.