[PASSED] Drug Decriminalization Act

[Goobergunchia]

Category: Civil Rights
Strength: Significant

The General Assembly,

Understanding that punitive efforts against recreational drug use have failed,

Aware that the decriminalization of recreational drug possession and targeted rehabilitation and social programs have been demonstrated to decrease the negative societal effects associated with substance abuse,

Noting that recreational drug possession charges are a favored tool of legal authorities and governments seeking to marginalize or suppress minorities and political opposition to their governments,

Further noting that nations with rampant corruption within law enforcement authorities are often empowered by the continued criminalization of recreational drug possession to commit violence and other indignities against even non-marginalized demographics,

Unconvinced that the criminalization of individuals in possession of recreational drugs deters recidivism or recreational drug use,

Concluding that the criminalization of recreational drug possession and its resulting consequences for both those truly in possession of such drugs and those falsely accused represents both a grave injustice towards human dignity and a waste of a nation's expenditure,

Hereby:

1. Defines for the purposes of this resolution;
   
   1. "drug" as a chemical substance which induces psychoactive effects after being consumed, where such a substance is not already considered legal for recreational consumption or a substance used for recognized medical purposes or otherwise as part of recognized sacramental purposes,
   2. "simple drug possession" as the possession of drugs by an individual where such possession is not for the purposes of:
      
      1. monetary or other forms of material gain or
      2. providing drugs to an individual without their consent or otherwise with malicious intent,
   3. "illicit drug possession" as any possession of drugs outside the parameters established in Articles 1(a) and 1(b),
   4. "drug trafficking" as the illicit smuggling and/or distribution of drugs for monetary or other forms of material gain, and
   5. "drug manufacturing" as the illicit production of drugs for monetary or other forms of material gain.
2. Reaffirms the right of member states to set internal policy regarding drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, illicit drug possession, and the legal distribution and production of drugs, subject to past or future World Assembly resolutions.
3. Requires that member states, within the bounds of any past World Assembly resolutions;
   
   1. decriminalize the act of simple drug possession and
   2. initiate a review process to re-evaluate the cases of those imprisoned and/or convicted of the act of simple drug possession in order to determine release and/or pardon eligibility given the following considerations:
      
      1. the time served for the offense(s),
      2. any separate offenses committed in addition to the act of simple drug possession,
      3. the suitability for re-entry into societal participation,
      4. the likelihood of recidivism in regards to other criminal activities, and
      5. the positive benefits of receiving a full pardon for the act of simple drug possession.
4. Strongly urges member states to offer full, unconditional releases and/or pardons for those convicted solely for the act of simple drug possession.

Co-authored by Honeydewistania.

[Greater Cesnica]

The General Assembly,

Understanding that drugs has won the war on drugs,

Aware that policies bringing about the decriminalization of recreational drug possession have been demonstrated to decrease the negative societal effects associated with substance abuse,

Unconvinced that the criminalization of individuals in possession of recreational drugs deters recidivism or recreational drug use,

Hereby:

1. Defines for the purposes of this resolution:
   
   1. ”drug” as a chemical substance which induces psychoactive effects after being consumed, where such a substance is not considered legal for recreational consumption or a substance used for recognized medical purposes or otherwise as part of recognized sacramental purposes,
   2. ”drug possession” as the possession of drugs by an individual where such possession is not for the purposes of monetary or other forms of material gain, and “illicit drug possession” as any possession of drugs outside these boundaries,
   3. ”drug trafficking” as the illicit distribution of drugs for monetary or other forms of material gain, and
   4. ”drug manufacturing” as the illicit production of drugs for monetary or other forms of material gain.
2. Reaffirms the right of member states to set internal policy regarding drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, and the legal distribution and production of drugs, subject to past or future World Assembly resolutions.
3. Requires that member states, within the bounds of any past or future World Assembly resolutions;
   
   1. decriminalize the act of drug possession and
   2. initiate a review process to re-evaluate the cases of those imprisoned and/or convicted of the act of drug possession in order to determine release and/or pardon eligibility given the following considerations:
      
      1. the time served for the offense(s),
      2. any separate offenses committed in addition to the act of drug possession,
      3. the suitability for re-entry into societal participation,
      4. the likelihood of recidivism in regards to other criminal activities, and
      5. the positive benefits of receiving a full pardon for the act of drug possession.
4. Strongly urges member states to offer full, unconditional releases and/or pardons for those convicted solely for the act of drug possession.

Co-authored by Honeydewistania.

Draft created.

The General Assembly,

Understanding that drugs have won the war on drugs,

Aware that policies bringing about the decriminalization of recreational drug possession have been demonstrated to decrease the negative societal effects associated with substance abuse,

Unconvinced that the criminalization of individuals in possession of recreational drugs deters recidivism or recreational drug use,

Noting that drug possession charges are a favored tool of legal authorities and governments seeking to marginalize or suppress minorities and political opposition to their governments,

Hereby:

1. Defines for the purposes of this resolution:
   
   1. ”drug” as a chemical substance which induces psychoactive effects after being consumed, where such a substance is not considered legal for recreational consumption or a substance used for recognized medical purposes or otherwise as part of recognized sacramental purposes,
   2. ”drug possession” as the possession of drugs by an individual where such possession is not for the purposes of monetary or other forms of material gain, and “illicit drug possession” as any possession of drugs outside these boundaries,
   3. ”drug trafficking” as the illicit distribution of drugs for monetary or other forms of material gain, and
   4. ”drug manufacturing” as the illicit production of drugs for monetary or other forms of material gain.
2. Reaffirms the right of member states to set internal policy regarding drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, illicit drug possession, and the legal distribution and production of drugs, subject to past or future World Assembly resolutions.
3. Requires that member states, within the bounds of any past or future World Assembly resolutions;
   
   1. decriminalize the act of drug possession and
   2. initiate a review process to re-evaluate the cases of those imprisoned and/or convicted of the act of drug possession in order to determine release and/or pardon eligibility given the following considerations:
      
      1. the time served for the offense(s),
      2. any separate offenses committed in addition to the act of drug possession,
      3. the suitability for re-entry into societal participation,
      4. the likelihood of recidivism in regards to other criminal activities, and
      5. the positive benefits of receiving a full pardon for the act of drug possession.
4. Strongly urges member states to offer full, unconditional releases and/or pardons for those convicted solely for the act of drug possession.

Co-authored by Honeydewistania.

The definition "illicit drug possession" is now used, preambulatory clause added.

The General Assembly,

Understanding that punitive efforts against recreational drug use have failed,

Aware that the decriminalization of recreational drug possession and targeted rehabilitation and social programs have been demonstrated to decrease the negative societal effects associated with substance abuse,

Noting that recreational drug possession charges are a favored tool of legal authorities and governments seeking to marginalize or suppress minorities and political opposition to their governments,

Further noting that nations with rampant corruption within law enforcement authorities are often empowered by the continued criminalization of recreational drug possession to commit violence and other indignities against even non-marginalized demographics,

Unconvinced that the criminalization of individuals in possession of recreational drugs deters recidivism or recreational drug use,

Concluding that the criminalization of recreational drug possession and its resulting consequences for both those truly in possession of such drugs and those falsely accused represents both a grave injustice towards human dignity and a waste of a nation's expenditure,

Hereby:

1. Defines for the purposes of this resolution:
   
   1. ”drug” as a chemical substance which induces psychoactive effects after being consumed, where such a substance is not considered legal for recreational consumption or a substance used for recognized medical purposes or otherwise as part of recognized sacramental purposes,
   2. ”drug possession” as the possession of drugs by an individual where such possession is not for the purposes of monetary or other forms of material gain, and “illicit drug possession” as any possession of drugs outside these boundaries,
   3. ”drug trafficking” as the illicit distribution of drugs for monetary or other forms of material gain, and
   4. ”drug manufacturing” as the illicit production of drugs for monetary or other forms of material gain.
2. Reaffirms the right of member states to set internal policy regarding drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, illicit drug possession, and the legal distribution and production of drugs, subject to past or future World Assembly resolutions.
3. Requires that member states, within the bounds of any past or future World Assembly resolutions;
   
   1. decriminalize the act of drug possession and
   2. initiate a review process to re-evaluate the cases of those imprisoned and/or convicted of the act of drug possession in order to determine release and/or pardon eligibility given the following considerations:
      
      1. the time served for the offense(s),
      2. any separate offenses committed in addition to the act of drug possession,
      3. the suitability for re-entry into societal participation,
      4. the likelihood of recidivism in regards to other criminal activities, and
      5. the positive benefits of receiving a full pardon for the act of drug possession.
4. Strongly urges member states to offer full, unconditional releases and/or pardons for those convicted solely for the act of drug possession.

Co-authored by Honeydewistania.

Incorporated SL's advice.

The General Assembly,

Understanding that punitive efforts against recreational drug use have failed,

Aware that the decriminalization of recreational drug possession and targeted rehabilitation and social programs have been demonstrated to decrease the negative societal effects associated with substance abuse,

Noting that recreational drug possession charges are a favored tool of legal authorities and governments seeking to marginalize or suppress minorities and political opposition to their governments,

Further noting that nations with rampant corruption within law enforcement authorities are often empowered by the continued criminalization of recreational drug possession to commit violence and other indignities against even non-marginalized demographics,

Unconvinced that the criminalization of individuals in possession of recreational drugs deters recidivism or recreational drug use,

Concluding that the criminalization of recreational drug possession and its resulting consequences for both those truly in possession of such drugs and those falsely accused represents both a grave injustice towards human dignity and a waste of a nation's expenditure,

Hereby:

1. Defines for the purposes of this resolution:
   
   1. ”drug” as a chemical substance which induces psychoactive effects after being consumed, where such a substance is not considered legal for recreational consumption or a substance used for recognized medical purposes or otherwise as part of recognized sacramental purposes,
   2. ”drug possession” as the possession of drugs by an individual where such possession is not for the purposes of:
      
      1. monetary or other forms of material gain or
      2. providing drugs to an individual without their consent or otherwise with malicious intent,
   3. “illicit drug possession” as any possession of drugs outside the parameters established in Articles 1(a) and 1(b),
   4. ”drug trafficking” as the illicit distribution of drugs for monetary or other forms of material gain, and
   5. ”drug manufacturing” as the illicit production of drugs for monetary or other forms of material gain.
2. Reaffirms the right of member states to set internal policy regarding drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, illicit drug possession, and the legal distribution and production of drugs, subject to past or future World Assembly resolutions.
3. Requires that member states, within the bounds of any past or future World Assembly resolutions;
   
   1. decriminalize the act of drug possession and
   2. initiate a review process to re-evaluate the cases of those imprisoned and/or convicted of the act of drug possession in order to determine release and/or pardon eligibility given the following considerations:
      
      1. the time served for the offense(s),
      2. any separate offenses committed in addition to the act of drug possession,
      3. the suitability for re-entry into societal participation,
      4. the likelihood of recidivism in regards to other criminal activities, and
      5. the positive benefits of receiving a full pardon for the act of drug possession.
4. Strongly urges member states to offer full, unconditional releases and/or pardons for those convicted solely for the act of drug possession.

Co-authored by Honeydewistania.

Addressed the "roofies" issue.

[Gonswanza]

Understanding that drugs have won the war on drugs

Everything after that is impossible to take seriously, in all honesty. I actually cracked up from that, personally. But sadly, due to that and the intent behind this accord, it seems more like meddling with local law rather than actually providing any benefit for the international community on a far larger scale with the intent to serve said community.

[Greater Cesnica]

Understanding that drugs have won the war on drugs

Everything after that is impossible to take seriously, in all honesty. I actually cracked up from that, personally. But sadly, due to that and the intent behind this accord, it seems more like meddling with local law rather than actually providing any benefit for the international community on a far larger scale with the intent to serve said community.

The international community as a whole benefits from its collective citizenry having fewer drug overdoses, less rates of incarceration, and a better prospect of a future.

[Bananaistan]

"The international community as a whole benefits from governments not being required to facilitate people being drug addled layabouts and most importantly not being required to facilitate the funding of terrorism and gangsterism. This is literally the single worst proposal I've seen in all my years here. Opposed."

[Greater Cesnica]

"The international community as a whole benefits from governments not being required to facilitate people being drug addled layabouts and most importantly not being required to facilitate the funding of terrorism and gangsterism. This is literally the single worst proposal I've seen in all my years here. Opposed."

"Yet precedent from states that have decriminalized drug possession have shown a decrease in both drug overdoses and usage. Ain't that something? Furthermore, can you explain how this resolution requires the facilitation of funding 'terrorism and gangsterism'?"

[Bursken]

"The international community as a whole benefits from governments not being required to facilitate people being drug addled layabouts and most importantly not being required to facilitate the funding of terrorism and gangsterism. This is literally the single worst proposal I've seen in all my years here. Opposed."

"Yet precedent from states that have decriminalized drug possession have shown a decrease in both drug overdoses and usage. Ain't that something? Furthermore, can you explain how this resolution requires the facilitation of funding 'terrorism and gangsterism'?"

Unless you plan on having countries giving money to the new industry, the makers of drugs, typically gangsters and the like, will just get the profits. Not to mention, if drugs are made legal and as such easy to get, I'm sure many youths would take it upon themselves to take drugs, causing some permanent damage

[Astrobolt]

"Full support. It's about time the WA stop treating drug use as a criminal issue."

OOC: I might pop in with more comments later depending on the time I have.

[Haganham]

"The international community as a whole benefits from governments not being required to facilitate people being drug addled layabouts and most importantly not being required to facilitate the funding of terrorism and gangsterism. This is literally the single worst proposal I've seen in all my years here. Opposed."

Decriminalization=/=legalization. And you can still, and should, treat drug use as a health and social issue, just as we do with drugs such as alcohol.

[Greater Cesnica]

Not to mention, if drugs are made legal and as such easy to get, I'm sure many youths would take it upon themselves to take drugs, causing some permanent damage

Give me evidence for this claim. Otherwise, it is bunk.

[Bananaistan]

Not to mention, if drugs are made legal and as such easy to get, I'm sure many youths would take it upon themselves to take drugs, causing some permanent damage

Give me evidence for this claim. Otherwise, it is bunk.

OOC: I could ICly demand evidence for the claim that "drugs have won the war on drugs". How would you propose to prove this?

Which will be an ongoing problem in this thread. Literally will be an OOC debate on RL drugs policy. I'd recommend taking it to General.

[Greater Cesnica]

Give me evidence for this claim. Otherwise, it is bunk.

OOC: I could ICly demand evidence for the claim that "drugs have won the war on drugs". How would you propose to prove this?

Which will be an ongoing problem in this thread. Literally will be an OOC debate on RL drugs policy. I'd recommend taking it to General.

We've had so many OOC debates on RL policies in the context of GA drafts before. Whether it be abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, gun control, etc., etc.

I don't recall people moving those debates to General. I think it should be fine to have an OOC debate here too.

[Bananaistan]

OOC: I could ICly demand evidence for the claim that "drugs have won the war on drugs". How would you propose to prove this?

Which will be an ongoing problem in this thread. Literally will be an OOC debate on RL drugs policy. I'd recommend taking it to General.

We've had so many OOC debates on RL policies in the context of GA drafts before. Whether it be abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, gun control, etc., etc.

I don't recall people moving those debates to General. I think it should be fine to have an OOC debate here too.

OOC: Literally none of these saw people demanding RL evidence right from the off as you did here. I mean like, a debate on RL evidence with people firing studies at each other is tiresome and boring and is not why people play this part of the game. There's nothing wrong with people RPing nations where things have gone very different, yet that's going to be the first casualty of an OOC debate.

[Imperium Anglorum]

What the evidence actually supports is not what this proposal wants to implement. The evidence supports a multi-faceted approach which uses decriminalisation as a tool to direct people to addiction treatment, which can also at times be compulsory. Decriminalisation is not a magical solution alone; for it to actually be supportable requires a substantive public health network. The warrants related to decriminalisation good, especially those relating to lower stigmas about drug usage and lowered fears of criminal prosecution, also imply this.

[Greater Cesnica]

What the evidence actually supports is not what this proposal wants to implement. The evidence supports a multi-faceted approach which uses decriminalisation as a tool to direct people to addiction treatment, which can also at times be compulsory. Decriminalisation is not a magical solution alone; for it to actually be supportable requires a substantive public health network. The warrants related to decriminalisation good, especially those relating to lower stigmas about drug usage and lowered fears of criminal prosecution, also imply this.

The multi-faceted approach is impossible to implement without decriminalization, as you've acknowledged above. Decriminalization alone is a major step that I feel should be tackled separately before delving into the secondary phase of tackling substance abuse.

[Comfed]

I don’t know if this is something the WA can legislate.

[Greater Cesnica]

I don’t know if this is something the WA can legislate.

SL and Sep told me it was. So I'm taking their word.

[Comfed]

I don’t know if this is something the WA can legislate.

SL and Sep told me it was. So I'm taking their word.

No but I mean, whether the WA should legislate this. It really seems like a local or national matter.

[Greater Cesnica]

SL and Sep told me it was. So I'm taking their word.

No but I mean, whether the WA should legislate this. It really seems like a local or national matter.

I believe that the war on drugs that numerous countries are carrying out has had an adverse global effect. Thus, it would be an international matter.

[Bananaistan]

OOC: That the GA can legislate on something is not a reason that it should (see for example current proposal on micromanaging the hurdy-gurdies).

No but I mean, whether the WA should legislate this. It really seems like a local or national matter.

I believe that the war on drugs that numerous countries are carrying out has had an adverse global effect. Thus, it would be an international matter.

OOC: Please provide even one tiny sliver of IC justification.

[Comfed]

No but I mean, whether the WA should legislate this. It really seems like a local or national matter.

I believe that the war on drugs that numerous countries are carrying out has had an adverse global effect. Thus, it would be an international matter.

Any adverse global effect has little to do with the legal status of drugs and more to do with the militiant actions undertaken by member states to eliminate sources of drugs, which this does not address.

[Greater Cesnica]

I believe that the war on drugs that numerous countries are carrying out has had an adverse global effect. Thus, it would be an international matter.

Any adverse global effect has little to do with the legal status of drugs and more to do with the militiant actions undertaken by member states to eliminate sources of drugs, which this does not address.

The militant actions are not only taken against traffickers (or suspected ones), but those merely in possession of drugs. That this proposal does indeed address.

[Astrobolt]

SL and Sep told me it was. So I'm taking their word.

No but I mean, whether the WA should legislate this. It really seems like a local or national matter.

OOC: As far as I'm concerned, any proposal advancing civil rights is fair game for the WA.

[Bananaistan]

Any adverse global effect has little to do with the legal status of drugs and more to do with the militiant actions undertaken by member states to eliminate sources of drugs, which this does not address.

The militant actions are not only taken against traffickers (or suspected ones), but those merely in possession of drugs. That this proposal does indeed address.

"What difference does it make to anybody in Bananaistan if the junkies are gaoled in Greater Cesnica?"

[Comfed]

No but I mean, whether the WA should legislate this. It really seems like a local or national matter.

OOC: As far as I'm concerned, any proposal advancing civil rights is fair game for the WA.

Any proposal? Is the nation not a sovereign unit?
EDIT: And the international centralization of authority is not a recipe for good governance.

Any adverse global effect has little to do with the legal status of drugs and more to do with the militiant actions undertaken by member states to eliminate sources of drugs, which this does not address.

The militant actions are not only taken against traffickers (or suspected ones), but those merely in possession of drugs. That this proposal does indeed address.

I do not believe the latter is an international matter.