In 2001 Portugal decriminalized personal possession of all drugs. Opponents predicted a “parade of horrors.” Since 2001 drug usage rates have decreased. Most notable was the large decrease in the 13-19 age group. From 2001-2005 Cannabis usage was the lowest in the E.U. Drug-related disease and mortality ats have also decreased. There is no serious push to reverse policy as by virtually every metric, decriminalization has been a “resounding success.” The American government and media however have ignored this story.
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