On this page you can find out what the current approach to drug regulation is, how it came to be, how it's being maintained and why we need to change it.

It's been over half a century since Richard Nixon declared a war against public enemy number one. The United States was to rid themselves, and with them the world, of this nasty nuisance that we call drugs. Now it is clear that this glimmer of hope was just that: an illusion. Moreover, not only has the world not succeeded in ridding the world of drugs, but by declaring the war on drugs we have enabled some of humanity’s most destructive tendencies.

Understanding dynamics

A guided tour through criminal drug markets

On this page, you’ll be guided through the complexities of criminal drug markets.

Needless to say, a precise technical description of how criminal drug markets function is not possible nor desirable here. Instead, you’re given the opportunity to get a feeling for their functioning by exploring literature on four case studies on how criminal drug markets have adapted in the past, followed by a discussion on two general phenomena: the iron law of prohibition, and violence.

Future of regulation

A better future, one conscious step at a time

On this page, you'll be able to explore some of the options for drug regulation and literature on how to ensure that a more just world emerges from the ashes of the war on drugs.

It is difficult to imagine a world beyond prohibition. Even experts can't reach beyond their own imaginations and paint a picture of a world that never was. Fortunately, this doesn't mean that drug regulation is a step into the unknown. Many forms of drug regulation already exist in certain parts of the world and have proven to be far more effective than criminalisation. This is true for alcohol and tobacco, but there are also many historical examples of how drugs such as cannabis or heroin can be effectively regulated. Drug regulation requires careful consideration, policy experimentation and community involvement.

Risk of regulation

Making sure we get drug regulation right

On this page, you'll learn about the potential negative effects of drug regulation and how to minimize these negative effects.

Drugs can be dangerous. Drugs have the potential to ruïn or to even end lives. That’s why it's imperative that the control of drugs is moved from criminal organizations to the state. However, given the risk that drugs carry, it is of the utmost importance that the legal regulation of drugs is done right. The world beyond the war on drugs should be more orderly and safer, not more chaotic and filled with temptatious vices. It should be a world where the state stands next to its citizens, when they are introduced to the complex world of drugs, so that people can be guided away from the pitfalls and to a better path of life.

Barriers to Regulation

The legal barriers that must be overcome

In this section you’ll learn why and how the legal barriers to drug regulation can be overcome.

The Dutch Minister of Justice recently claimed that drug regulation is philosophical pub talk; a utopian dream that has no place in the real world. While it is true that it sometimes seems as if drug regulation would only work if all countries decided to regulate drugs together, in reality this is a fallacy often applied to climate policy as well. The fact is that for every policy that is improved, fewer people are harmed. Moreover, local policies can trickle up and influence global policies if they are effectively implemented and communicated. Above all, despite what it may seem, many options for improving drug regulation can already be implemented at local, national and global levels.

Change strategies

Where to start

Whether we like it or not, drugs are a moral issue. From both sides of the aisle, discussions about drugs quickly become about justice and the sanctity of human life. For those in favour of change, the war on drugs is a great injustice and a violation of human rights. For those opposed to change, regulating drugs means letting the criminals win and the proliferation of drug use. The funny thing is, or perhaps it's sad, is that when it comes to the overall goal, we tend to agree: we all want a safer world with fewer people dependent on drugs. Real change starts with dialogue, and until we get there we need to give people something to talk about.

Conference ‘Dealing with Drugs – Cities and the quest for regulation’ (January 26th 2024)

Bekijk deze video extern op: Vimeo

Source: Dealing with drugs

More information, in case of questions or content suggestions, contact us at conferenceondrugs@amsterdam.nl