10. Short Debate: Drug policy in Wales and the UK: Starting a national conversation

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:07 pm on 24 November 2021.

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Photo of James Evans James Evans Conservative 6:07, 24 November 2021

The title of this important debate is 'drug policy', and I think the time is right now that we take a detailed look at drug policy in Wales. Let me be clear: I would like to see a country where drug use is eradicated, but, sadly, I don't think that's going to be achievable. Some people take drugs for a number of reasons: experimental, recreational, and for some people, to improve their quality of life. I have seen first-hand how cannabis oil has helped someone living with MS live a pain-free life. The current criminal justice system treats all people who use drugs as criminals, but in reality, some people use them to remove the pain of a serious trauma in their life, to give them that slight moment of relief from their suffering. Not all drug users are criminals but individuals who need help and support to deal with the root cause of their pain. Last year, 2,883 people died of drug-related use. How many more deaths will it take before both Governments, both here and in Westminster, do something to tackle this problem? Diolch, Llywydd.