Drug Policy Reform

Advancing Drug Policy Reform Worldwide

Drug policy reform advances evidence-based, human rights–centred approaches across global systems. Through regulation, decriminalisation, and harm reduction strategies, it addresses systemic harms, reduces inequalities, and creates more effective, balanced drug policies across jurisdictions.

THC Regulation, Use, and Drug Policy Impact

THC remains central to cannabis policy, shaping regulation, markets, and public debate worldwide. ENCOD advocates evidence-based THC regulation addressing access, safety, and social realities, challenging stigma and prohibition models while supporting balanced cannabis policies that reflect actual use patterns across societies.

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CBD Regulation, Markets, and Consumer Protection

CBD has transformed cannabis markets, raising urgent questions around regulation, safety, and consumer protection. ENCOD works to shape CBD policy frameworks ensuring quality standards, transparent markets, and fair access, supporting evidence-based regulation that prevents misinformation while enabling responsible development across jurisdictions.

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Emerging Cannabinoids and Future Regulation for CBG

CBG highlights the rapid evolution of cannabinoids entering markets before clear regulation exists. ENCOD addresses these developments by advocating proactive, evidence-based policies that close regulatory gaps, ensure product safety, and prepare legal frameworks for emerging cannabinoids shaping future cannabis markets.

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Cannabis Derivatives, Markets, and Policy Gaps for CBN

CBN reflects the growing complexity of cannabis-derived products entering legal markets. ENCOD works to ensure policies address product claims, safety, and transparency, promoting regulation that protects consumers while responding to innovation and preventing fragmented or inconsistent cannabis policy approaches.

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Drug Policy Reform in Practice

Shaping Systems for Better Outcomes

Drug policy reform translates evidence into effective legal and regulatory systems. Through decriminalisation, regulation, and public health approaches, these reforms reduce harm, address inequalities, and support more balanced, human rights–centred drug policy frameworks across national and international contexts.

  • Removing criminal penalties for drug use shifts focus from punishment to health. Decriminalisation reduces stigma, improves access to services, and supports more effective responses to drug-related harms within public health and social systems.

  • Regulated drug markets introduce quality control, transparency, and accountability. By replacing illicit supply with controlled systems, regulation reduces risks, disrupts criminal markets, and ensures safer access aligned with public health and safety objectives.

     

  • Drug policy reform prioritises public health through prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services. Integrating healthcare responses improves outcomes, reduces overdose deaths, and strengthens systems that support individuals and communities affected by drug use.

  • Human rights–centred drug policies protect dignity, reduce discrimination, and ensure proportional responses. Reform efforts promote fairness, access to care, and legal protections, aligning drug policy with broader principles of justice and social equity.

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Driving Change Through Collective Action

ENCOD and its members develop and lead campaigns across different drug policy areas. Through coordinated action, advocacy, and public engagement, we raise awareness, challenge stigma, and mobilise support for more informed and humane approaches.

Where Advocacy Becomes Action

Policy

Policy Work for Evidence-Based Drug Reform

ENCOD and its members drive policy work grounded in harm reduction, public health, and human rights. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, we promote evidence-based drug policies that reduce harm, improve safety, and support fair and sustainable regulatory frameworks across Europe and beyond.
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Joep Oomen

Drug Activist

(1959 – 2016)

“Drug policy must move beyond ideology. Evidence, not fear, should guide decisions that affect millions of lives across our societies.”

Gabriele KOZÀR

Treasurer and Coordinator

“A regulated approach is not about promoting use. It is about reducing harm, ensuring quality control, and taking responsibility for public health.”

Contact:

gaby@encod.org

Farid Ghehioueche

President

“People who use drugs are part of our communities. Policies should focus on care, inclusion, and safety, not exclusion and stigma.”

Contact:

farid3h@encod.org

Ana Afuera Gómez

General Secretary

“Criminalisation has failed to protect people. What we need instead is a system grounded in health, dignity, and evidence, where individuals are supported, not punished.”

Contact:

ana@encod.org

Enrico Fletzer

Member

“Harm reduction is not a compromise. It is a proven, life-saving approach that must be at the center of all drug policies if we are serious about public health and safety.”

Contact:

enrico@encod.org

Erec O. Kozàr

ENCOD Associate and Inner Circle Member

(1969 – 5 January 2024)

“Communities across Europe are ready for change. By working together, we can replace outdated policies with fair regulation that reduces harm, undermines illicit markets, and respects human rights.”

Drug Policy Reform Insights

Explore expert articles on drug policy reform, harm reduction, decriminalisation, and regulation. Stay informed with ENCOD perspectives, research, and updates shaping global drug policy developments.

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