About Us

A European Network for Drug Policy Reform and Harm Reduction

ENCOD connects organisations, activists, researchers, and professionals working to advance responsible drug policy reform. Since 1993, ENCOD has contributed to policy reforms, supported civil society initiatives, and defended user and patient rights across Europe. Our work has influenced legislation, strengthened networks, and helped develop practical models for responsible regulation.

Policies

We contribute to European and international policy processes by providing expert input, analysis, and evidence-based recommendations to decision-makers and regulatory institutions.

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Campaigns

We coordinate public campaigns and member-led initiatives to raise awareness, challenge harmful legislation, and promote fair, humane, and socially responsible approaches to drug regulation.

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Resources

We develop and share research reports, educational tools, and practical guidance to support advocacy, compliance, and responsible drug policy work at community, professional, and institutional levels.

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The People Behind ENCOD

Where Strategy, Experience, and Action Meet

ENCOD was established in 1993 by Joep Oomen to promote just and effective drug policy reform across Europe and internationally. We are gathering PWUD, activists, researchers, professionals, and citizens, grassroots organisations and practitioners who are deeply concerned about social justice, climate change, indigenous rights, fair trade, and so many issues related to plants, fungus and other substances known as drugs. From Freedom to farm to the Cannabis Social Clubs, ENCOD is a spearhead of the movement for drug policy based on human rights. Our mantra is “political gardeners protect our sacred plants”.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is responsible for ENCOD’s strategic direction, governance, financial oversight, and institutional representation. Its members bring long-standing experience in public policy, civil society leadership, regulatory reform, and international coordination.

Farid Ghehioueche

President

Farid Ghehioueche

Farid Ghehioueche is a senior European policy advocate with more than two decades of engagement in drug policy reform, electoral politics, and international regulatory processes. As President of ENCOD, he provides strategic leadership, represents the organisation in European policy dialogue, and oversees the Drug Policy Department.
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Gabriele KOZÀR

Treasurer and Coordinator

Gabriele KOZÀR

Gaby Kozàr brings private-sector leadership experience, post-conflict reconstruction engagement, and educational coordination to ENCOD’s Executive Committee. As Treasurer and Coordinator, she oversees financial governance, ensures institutional continuity, and supports the organisation’s operational integrity.
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Ana Afuera Gómez

General Secretary

Ana Afuera Gómez

Ana Afuera is a policy reform strategist with extensive experience in cannabis social club governance and institutional negotiation. As General Secretary of ENCOD, she oversees organisational coordination, regulatory engagement, and cross-border collaboration within European drug policy reform frameworks.
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The Inner Circle

Supporting Strategy, Insight, and Direction

The Inner Circle of ENCOD brings together long-standing contributors and policy experts who support the organisation through research, analysis, and international engagement. While the Executive Committee ensures governance, the Inner Circle provides specialised expertise, institutional continuity, and strategic insight across European drug policy reform.

Enrico Fletzer

Member

Enrico Fletzer

Enrico Fletzer is a long-standing contributor to European drug policy reform, recognised for his extensive writing, translation work, and cross-border media engagement. As part of ENCOD’s Inner Circle, he contributes institutional memory, analytical perspective, and international communication expertise.
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Karen Mamo

Member

Karen Mamo

Harm Reduction Malta has been since 2019 advocating for drug policy reform and human rights for people who use drugs. Through different educational campaigns, international collaborations, and out-reach initiatives, Harm Reduction Malta remains committed to promote just laws and policies for all.
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Derrick Bergman

Member

Derrick Bergman

Dutch journalist, photographer, and activist who has been covering cannabis culture since 1994. He is a founder and the current chairman of the VOC, the union for the abolition of cannabis prohibition [www.voc-nederland.org].
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Konopí je lék

Member

Konopí je lék

We are a community, associations and congregation of individuals and legal entities involved in the international research program Cannabis is The Cure (Konopí je lék). Web: www.konopijelek.cz
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Sandy W. Madar

Inner Circle

Sandy W. Madar

Over 20 years working in cannabis policy internationally, focusing on decriminalisation and supporting cannabis farmers in Morocco through advocacy, legal reform, and sustainable, rights-based development initiatives.
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Meet the Secretary

Guiding ENCOD’s advocacy and coordination

The Secretariat of ENCOD coordinates the organisation’s daily work, supporting communication, administration, and network development across Europe. As a dedicated team, it ensures continuity, facilitates collaboration, and helps translate shared priorities into concrete actions advancing drug policy reform.

Be a Part of Change

Join the Movement

Become part of ENCOD’s network by joining as a member or supporter. Connect with organisations, experts, and individuals engaged in drug policy work, contribute to shared initiatives, and help strengthen long-term efforts advancing fair, effective, and evidence-based approaches across Europe and internationally.
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Support the Work
Save the Date

ENCOD Upcoming Assembly

ENCOD members and partners are invited to the General Assembly on 21 November, bringing the network together to review policy developments, exchange perspectives, and define shared priorities for advancing drug policy reform across Europe. Below you can read about former General Assemblies.

In Memoriam

In recognition of dedication and legacy

ENCOD honours the memory of those who contributed to the organisation’s work and growth. Their dedication, commitment, and engagement remain part of ENCOD’s institutional history and collective legacy, continuing to shape its mission and values within European drug policy reform.

Erec O. Kozàr

ENCOD Associate and Inner Circle Member

Erec O. Kozàr

Erec O. Kozàr was an ENCOD associate from 2008 and a member of the General Assembly and Inner Circle from 2012 onward.
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Joep Oomen

Drug Activist

Joep Oomen

Joep Oomen was a Dutch drug policy activist and founder of ENCOD, known for his dedication to reform, international cooperation, and strengthening civil society networks across Europe.
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Jorge Hurtado

Member

Jorge Hurtado

Jorge Hurtado was a dedicated advocate for coca policy reform, contributing to international dialogue on traditional use, cultural rights, and evidence-based drug policy.
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For the media

Covering Drug Policy in Europe and Beyond

ENCOD is a gateway to informed perspectives on drug policy reform in Europe and beyond. Whether you are covering legislation, public health, human rights, or emerging regulatory models, ENCOD connects you with civil society voices, experts, and on-the-ground insights. We provide context, analysis, and access to organisations, researchers, and advocates—supporting accurate, responsible, and impactful reporting.
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Insights From The Organisation

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