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Drug Decriminalization Approach In Islamic States
Asalamualaikum,
As of January 31, 2023, British Columbia decriminalized the possession of certain illicit drugs if the amount is less than 2.5 grams. Trafficking remains illegal. The purpose behind this move is to treat drug use a ‘health matter’ rather than a ‘criminal matter’, so that there is greater effort in turning drug users to treatment and harm reduction options.
I find this approach to be very interesting, having heard discussions regarding the futility of punishment in drug use in terms of reforming people. I’m not sure what the data suggests one year later, but assuming that this approach is effective, is this a strategy that can be employed in Islamic States?
On the one hand, I recognize that intoxicants are forbidden even in small quantities. Perhaps people who are using these substances even in small quantities continue to cause harm to those around them. Furthermore, it’s possible that society becomes desensitized to drug use, leading to higher quantities being ignored in the future, whether officially or not.
On the other hand, I wonder if drugs users can be considered victims in the same way as people who take loans on interest. And so their dependency or vulnerability makes decriminalization a necessity in order to assist the drug-using population at any substantial level.
I would appreciate any insights!
JazakAllah
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