8.5 Chapter Summary
Key Summary Points
- Decriminalization refers to a range of policies that reduce the negative impact of prohibitionist policies. Criminal penalties tied to possession are replaced by civil penalties or diversion, and in some cases, no penalties at all. The two forms of decriminalization are de facto and de jure.
- Decriminalization and legalization can be used to address the costs and consequences resulting from criminalization policies, including addressing public health issues.
- Legalization refers to the removal of all criminal penalties for possession and personal use. A government regulatory framework is used to control production, sale, taxation, and consumption.
Additional Resources
Below are a list of supplementary resources for students interested in learning more about the chapter topics. These resources are NOT required course materials. A list of required course materials, beyond those found throughout this chapter, are provided on the following page.
Additional Readings
Drug Policy Alliance (DPA). (November 3, 2021). Drug decriminalization in Oregon, one year later: Thousands of lives not ruined by possession arrests, $300 million+ in funding for services. https://drugpolicy.org/press-release/2021/11/drug-decriminalization-oregon-one-year-later-thousands-lives-not-ruined
International Drug Policy Consortium (IDCP). (February 10, 2022). Decriminalisation of people who use drugs: A guide for advocacy. https://idpc.net/publications/2022/02/decriminalisation-of-people-who-use-drugs-a-guide-for-advocacy
Russoniello, K., Vakharia, S., Netherland, J., Naidoo, T., Wheelock, H., Hurst, T., & Rouhani, S. (2023). Decriminalization of drug possession in Oregon: Analysis and early lessons. Drug Science, Policy and Law, 9, 1-16. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20503245231167407
