International Drug Policy Experts Share Warnings About the Dangers of Drug Legalization and Promote Good Policy in the African Continent
(ARUSHA, TANZANIA) – As leaders from dozens of members countries convene at the African Union’s Continental Consultation on Drug Demand, international drug policy experts from Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) are sharing the evidence surrounding drug policy in the arena of demand and supply reduction, as well as the pitfalls of drug commercialization that is being seen across North America, Europe and beyond.
As part of the consultation of nations, SAM and FDPS CEO and President Kevin Sabet and Executive Vice President Luke Niforatos presented on the complex issues surrounding harm reduction, marijuana legalization, supply reduction, organized crime, and prevention.
“The drug crisis isn’t just impacting lives in the United States or Canada. It’s being felt around the world by people of all backgrounds. Addiction and substance use disorders don’t discriminate based on race, economic class and geography. Today’s commercially-produced THC-infused drugs and other dangerous substances are leaving their deadly imprint on countries around the world, and Africa’s leaders are right to come together to share best practices aimed at reducing demand,” said Dr. Kevin Sabet, president and CEO of SAM and FDPS.
“Our organizations have repeatedly called for increasing global cooperation to stop the drug trade because it will save lives. In addition to reducing demand, government leaders and international organizations must work together to reduce supply by curbing the availability of illicit substances and cutting off proceeds that fuel violent criminal enterprises,” Sabet said.
Along with their presentation, the SAM and FDPS delegation met with ministers from dozens of member countries including South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Egypt, among others.
“Whether we are talking about America’s drug crisis, the bad policies inflicted upon parts of Canada, under its extreme harm reduction policies, or the proliferation of the illicit marijuana market in Thailand, and their rightful about-face on legalization, global leaders should be doing more to promote policies that discourage drug use and encourage evidence-based prevention and treatment systems,” said SAM and FDPS Executive Vice President Luke Niforatos.
“We know the addiction industry will stop at nothing to hook a new generation of users on increasingly potent drugs. We know those drugs come with incredible risks for users’ health and mental health. Only by working together and fostering an true era of cooperation can we stem the tide of addiction and take meaningful steps to punish criminal enterprises that are killing people around the world every day,” Niforatos stated.
The African Union-Global Coalition Continental Consultation on Drug Demand continues through Friday, December 13. The theme of this year’s consultation is: “Prevention is better than Cure: Towards enhanced Health, security and socio-economic wellbeing of people in Africa”. Along with SMA and FDPS, the event is supported by the African Union, the U.S. Department of State and the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime.
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