Feiten & Studies
Onze argumenten zijn gebaseerd op wetenschappelijk bewijs en internationale ervaringen.
International Case Studies
🇵🇹 Portugal
Decriminalization since 2001Sinds 2001 zijn in Portugal alle drugs gedecriminaliseerd. Volgens EUDA-rapporten: drugsdoden behoren tot de laagste in Europa, HIV-nieuwe infecties onder drugsgebruikers drastisch gedaald.
The Model:
- Possession of small amounts is no longer a crime
- Instead: Referral to "Dissuasion Commissions"
- Focus on health, not punishment
- Massive investments in treatment and prevention
* Exact figures vary by source and measurement period. See EUDA reports for current data.
Bronnen: EUDA, Transform Drug Policy Foundation
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Heroin Program since 1994De door de staat gelicenseerde heroïneverkoop (HAT) in Zwitserland sinds 1994 toont: duidelijke vermindering van aanschafcriminaliteit, verbeterde sociale integratie.
The Model:
- Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) for severely addicted
- Pharmaceutically pure heroin under medical supervision
- Daily visits to specialized clinics
- Integrated into comprehensive treatment program
* Based on official evaluations by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Coffeeshops since 1976Ondanks coffeeshops ligt het cannabisgebruik in Nederland onder het EU-gemiddelde. Het model toont: tolerantie leidt niet automatisch tot hoger gebruik.
The Model:
- "Gedoogbeleid" – Tolerance policy for cannabis
- Licensed coffeeshops may sell up to 5g
- Strict rules: No advertising, no minors, no hard drugs
- Separation of cannabis and other drug markets
* Use rates according to EUDA vary by survey methodology.
Bronnen: EUDA Netherlands Report
Sweden
Repression instead of RegulationZweden voert momenteel een van Europa's hardste repressiekoersen tegen bendecriminaliteit: meer politie, strengere straffen, snellere uitzettingen. Toch blijven bendegeweld, drugscriminaliteit en rekrutering van minderjarigen op hoog niveau. Het land toont wat er gebeurt wanneer repressie wordt gekozen boven regulering.
The Current Strategy:
- Harshest penalties, faster deportations of allegedly criminal foreigners
- New laws against gang membership and "socially harmful behavior"
- More police, surveillance, repression policy
- Political narrative: Migration = Crime
What Sweden Shows:
Simpelweg "harder optreden" lost de onderliggende oorzaken niet op. Zolang de drugsmarkt illegaal blijft, zijn de winstmarges hoog genoeg dat elk risico loont. Bendes blijven rekruteren, geweld verplaatst zich, het probleem blijft. Regulering pakt de structurele oorzaken aan: gecontroleerde substanties, legale toeleveringsketens, ontneming van inkomstenbronnen voor kartels. Zwedens pad toont: zonder politieke visie voor regulering dreigt altijd het mantra "harder, sneller, uitzetten" – een beleid dat symptomen bestrijdt zonder de ziekte te genezen.
Bronnen: Tagesspiegel, Brottsförebyggande rådet (Brå)
🇨🇦 Canada
Cannabis Legalization since 2018Canada was the first G7 country to fully legalize cannabis. The model shows how a regulated market can be built – with lessons for other countries.
The Model:
- Federal legalization with provincial implementation
- Licensed producers and retail outlets
- Strict quality controls and packaging regulations
- Age limit 18-19 (depending on province)
* Based on Statistics Canada and Health Canada reports.
Bronnen: Health Canada, Statistics Canada
What the literature shows
Based on BMG/ECaLe report 2023, CMAJ 2023, Lancet Public Health 2025, National Academies 2023.
Research scope
Bibliometric analyses count >10,000 cannabis studies and dozens of reviews on regulation, advertising, health, transport.
Use patterns
Adult use rises modestly, youth use remains broadly stable. Retail density, pricing and prevention are decisive.
Health & safety
ER visits increase with edibles/high potency products; traffic data are mixed. Governance (THC caps, testing) reduces risk.
Key Statistics
Estimated annual revenue of the illegal drug market in the EU
Drug deaths per million population in Portugal (EU average: ~22)
Scientific Studies
Peer-reviewed research and official reports on drug policy
Johns Hopkins-Lancet Commission
Drug Policy and Public Health: Comprehensive analysis by leading scientists. Recommends regulated markets instead of prohibition.
View Study →EUDA – European Drug Report
Annual report from the EU Drugs Agency with current data on all EU countries.
View Report →Transform Drug Policy Foundation
Leading think tank for drug reform with extensive resources on regulation models and evidence.
View Publications →Drug Policy Alliance
US organization with extensive research on reform successes in various states.
View Resources →Further Resources
Expert networks and analysis for evidence-based drug policy.