Ok so first, my biases. I’m going to write my best guess and then I’ll read the article. So… is it that Portugal helped people instead of simply trying to arrest them or put up anti-homeless architecture so that those better off wouldn’t have to see addicts in the streets? Let’s go and read now…
WELL. I’m shocked!
"Portugal’s leaders responded by pivoting away from the U.S. drug war model, which prioritized narcotics seizures, arrests and lengthy prison sentences for drug offenders.
Instead, Portugal focused scarce public dollars on health care, drug treatment, job training and housing. The system, integrated into the country’s taxpayer-funded national health care system, is free and relatively easy to navigate. "
Ok, I’m not that shocked.
I guess they turned to experts instead of making it a political issue led by conservatives.
Not every country is the same as the US. Other countries’ conservatives aren’t necessarily the same as yours. Sometimes conservatives and left-wing parties even work together to solve issues.
Your words are a beautiful sexy dream from the US.
I was on the edge of my seat. And by that I mean I was like, she is 100% correct
Portugal also doesn’t ban the use of Metamizole, an analgesic halfway between Paracetamol/acetaminophen and opioids.
In the US, it’s considered a “dangerous horse tranquilizer” with a 1.1 per million mortality rate. Meanwhile, opioids only have a 320 per million mortality… which apparently is just fine.