How to Win the War on Drugs: Norway Decriminalizes
A full on guns blazing anti-drug policy is not the best way to fix things.
The Norway Parliament has just moved forward with plans to decriminalize illegal drugs. First off, it is important to realize that there is a difference between legalizing and decriminalizing. When legalization occurs, a country will lift any punishments that may occur when someone uses illegal drugs. When decriminalization occurs, users are not punished for possessing small amounts. Instead, they are sent to rehabilitate instead of go to jail.
In a recent vote by the Norwegian Parliament (Storting), four of the nine parties voted in favor of decriminalizing drugs in the country. The Conservatives, Labor Party, Socialist Left, and Liberals were the parties in support. They together make up 133 of the 175 seats in the parliament.
