Criminalising drug users for minor offences 'can do more harm than drug use'

DHA seeks more public health focussed approached to reducing drug harm

Criminalising people for minor drugs possession offences can do more harm than the substances themselves.

That's the finding of a report looking at ways to tackle the harm caused by drugs on the Isle of Man.

The report, which will be brought to Tynwald next month, comes after the Liverpool John Moore's University Public Health Insititute looked into the impact of drug use on the Island.

The Department of Home Affairs has now put together its policy principles, with a focus on moving away from a criminal justice-based approach to drugs in favour of public health and harm reduction.

The principles, which will be subject to Tynwald approval, include an increase of health services to treat substance abuse, and greater access to mental health services for those impacted by drug use.

The approach would also look to prioritise diversion and treatment over criminalisation, with a fear that prosecuting drug users for minor offences can lead to broader and greater harm.

Instead, the report says those with minor possession offences should be signposted to treatment.

Looking to the future, the report highlights evidence that a regulated environment, similar to the sale of alcohol and tobacco products, can reduce harm.

It says ensuring adults can make informed choices on substances can lead to more controlled usage, but that this would require further public consultation and an assessment on the societal impact of such a change.