Portugal's unorthodox war on drugs

Portugal decriminalized the possession of recreational drugs 10 years ago. Could its policy provide lessons for U.S. lawmakers?

Marijuana use has plummeted since Portugal decriminalized drugs.
(Image credit: Corbis)

As Californians prepare to vote on whether to legalize marijuana possession in the state, it may be worth looking to Europe to see how liberal drug policies work — specifically in Portugal, where the possession of drugs has not carried a criminal penalty since 2001. (Watch a report about Portugal's loose drug laws.) Here is a look at how decriminalization has helped — and hindered — Portugal's war against drug abuse:

Why did Portugal decide to decriminalize drugs?

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