Once hailed for decriminalizing drugs, Portugal is now having doubts

[BidenPresident]

PORTO, Portugal — Addiction haunts the recesses of this ancient port city, as people with gaunt, clumsy hands lift crack pipes to lips, syringes to veins. Authorities are sealing off warren-like alleyways with iron bars and fencing in parks to halt the spread of encampments. A siege mentality is taking root in nearby enclaves of pricey condos and multimillion-euro homes.

Portugal decriminalized all drug use, including marijuana, cocaine and heroin, in an experiment that inspired similar efforts elsewhere, but now police are blaming a spike in the number of people who use drugs for a rise in crime. In one neighborhood, state-issued paraphernalia — powder-blue syringe caps, packets of citric acid for diluting heroin — litters sidewalks outside an elementary school.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/07/portugal-drugs-decriminalization-heroin-crack/

 

[Tinkerpeach]

While decriminalization wasn't the disaster many thought it would be it also turns out it wasn't the savior many others thought it would be.

Overall it didn't change much.

In fact, most of their citizens do not like it because even though you aren't sent to jail you are sent to forced rehabilitation which if you do not complete will end you up in jail.

Many people there would rather spend a few months in jail for possession rather than a year going through rehab.