The government’s report into a new drugs strategy recommends a move away from criminalising people for minor possession offences.
Instead, it proposes focusing on harm reduction, treatment, and education.
Following on from research from Liverpool John Moore University, the Department of Home Affairs sets out policy principles that are proposed for adoption on the island.
One of these reforms is recognising that “the harm caused by criminal sanctions for possession of drugs for personal use can be greater than the broader harms caused by drug use”.
Record
The proportion of the prison population currently serving a sentence for drugs related offences is around 30%, this compares to 17% in England and Wales.
The university report said: “A criminal record associated with a drug related offence can have long-lasting consequences for an individual’s life chances and wellbeing.
“This can include restrictions on employment, international travel, and residency. People with convictions may lose their job or access to housing and may find it difficult to regain these.
“Disposals such as cautions can be added to criminal records and may appear on enhanced background checks, which also limit employment and travel opportunities.”
As such, the government will seek to ensure that people with “minor possession offences are signposted to treatment and advice in order to manage their usage”.
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