A GROUP OF more than 1,000 campaigners, celebrities, law enforcement figures and politicians – including the likes of billionaire Warren Buffet and US presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders – have called for a shift in global drug policy from emphasising criminalisation and punishment to health and human rights.

Their open letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the war on drugs has failed. It comes ahead of a United Nations special session on the subject in the coming week.

In Ireland, the Oireachtas Justice Committee last year strongly recommended that the possession of a small amount of illegal drugs be decriminalised – following months of research and public submissions.

This evening we’re asking: Do we need to shift global policy away from the ‘war on drugs’?

Poll Results:

Yes. (7402)

No. (4146)

I'm not sure. (983)

No interest/no opinion. (274)

No.
Yes.
I'm not sure.
No interest/no opinion.

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Poll: Do you support the 'war on drugs'?

Poll Results:

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.