RSPH has backed calls by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) encouraging doctors to lead reform of drugs policy. The BMJ argues that the enforcement of prohibition causes huge damage and has failed to curb either supply or demand, reduce addiction, minimise harm, cut violence, and reduce profits for organised crime in the UK and across the world.

The BMJ’s support comes against a backdrop of increasing health harms, including deaths, from illegal drugs across the UK. Figures from September show drug-related deaths in England and Wales rose significantly in 2015 and the UK’s drug-related mortality rate is now almost three times greater than the European average.

The BMJ joins a growing number of organisations which have come out in favour of drugs policy reform, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Times newspaper, and in June of this year, RSPH published a landmark drugs policy report, Taking a New Line on Drugs, calling for the decriminalisation of personal possession and use of drugs and a shift of focus to a public health approach.

Shirley Cramer CBE, Chief Executive RSPH said: “We are delighted to see such an influential publication such as the BMJ support drugs policy reform. It is clear that the ‘war on drugs’ has failed. In the interests of the public’s health it is imperative that politicians take action now; with each day that passes more people are at risk of harm from illegal drugs. We need an approach centred around harm-reduction and support, rather than criminal sanctions and punishment against individuals who use drugs.

“Evidence must dictate policy and we urge the government to act in the face of such growing scientific and public opinion in favour of decriminalisation. If we want the UK to be a pioneering and progressive leader in the world our current outdated and draconian system needs a radical rethink. By offering help to those who need it and keeping users out of the criminal justice system we can begin to address the harms caused by drugs and greatly improve health, economic and social outcomes for the UK.”