Amanda Feilding - A New Convention

International drug policy has evolved into a global challenge characterized by widespread prohibition, which ignores the historical significance of various plants and substances as sacred medicines. Current regulatory frameworks, largely rooted in outdated 1961 conventions, prioritize eradication over nuanced understanding, resulting in substantial societal harms, high incarceration rates, and the diversion of resources into criminal enterprise. Developing more effective, evidence-based approaches requires recognizing that substances like cannabis are often safer than legal alternatives and that most individuals use them rather than misuse them. A shift toward harm reduction, including legalization or regulated markets, offers a pathway to mitigate risks and better serve public health.