Samuel Hoehn: Our state needs to decriminalize all illicit drugs

To The Daily Sun,

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31

The COVID-19 pandemic has been escalating the drug epidemic. The number of overdose deaths in New Hampshire is on the rise. While New Hampshire was already leading the nation in fentanyl overdose deaths, the pandemic is causing an increase in fatalities. The Granite State cannot continue the failed policies of the war on drugs.

I am running in the Democratic State Representative Primary to represent the people of Belknap, District 3, Laconia.

I understand that drugs are dangerous, but we cannot arrest our way out of the drug epidemic. Prohibition does not work. I suggest that the Granite State should start treating the drug epidemic as a public health crises, rather than a drug enforcement issue.

People with a drug addiction need help, not a jail cell. New Hampshire must decriminalize all illicit drugs. Decriminalization does not mean drugs are legal. Drug use, possession for personal use, and possession of drug paraphernalia for personal use are not criminal offenses under decriminalization. Drug manufacturing, distribution, and possession for distribution are criminal offenses under decriminalization. In other words, drug users are no longer treated as criminals, but drug dealing is still a criminal offense.

The Portuguese decriminalization policy has been wildly successful. In 2001, Portugal decriminalized all illicit drugs. Almost two decades later, the country has seen a remarkable decrease in both overdose deaths, and drug addiction.

In Portugal the police confiscates the substance of drug users, and then sends them to a “Commission for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction.” The Dissuasion Commissions are under the Ministry of Health, rather than the criminal justice system. A Dissuasion Commission is composed of a psychiatrist or psychologist, a social worker, and an attorney,

The Dissuasion Commissions decide if an individual has a drug addiction or not, and what sanctions to impose. If the drug user does not have an addiction, then the Dissuasion Commissions often dismiss the case. The Dissuasion Commissions could also order sanctions. When the Dissuasion Commissions decide to use sanctions, the focus is on helping rather than punishing. The sanctions could include: a fine, community service, suspension of professional or drivers license, or a ban on visiting places or people.

If the drug user has an addiction to drugs, the Dissuasion Commissions can refer the individual to free treatment. The Dissuasion Commissions cannot force people into treatment, but can strongly encourage them to make that decision. Addiction treatment only works if the individual wants help. If an individual refuses to undergo treatment, the Dissuasion Commissions could mandate community service or another sanction. The purpose of the Dissuasion Commissions is to help people who have an addiction to drugs, rather than punish them with sanctions.

Portugal has proven that the combination of drug decriminalization with a free suggestive drug treatment system, decreases overdose deaths, and drug addiction.

The Granite State should implement a Portuguese-style drug decriminalization policy, and end the failed war on drugs.

Samuel Hoehn

Laconia