Scotland's drug policy rethink is a massive step forward

The announcement by Scotland’s top law officer yesterday of a new and radical drugs policy is a massive step forward.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain has made it clear the new thinking will see Scotland’s drug death crisis treated as a health emergency as well as a criminal justice matter.

Possession of small amounts of drugs will see addicts given a police warning rather than a court conviction.

More importantly, this new policy will see them given access to the health and social care they need to get out of the crippling cycle of crime and drug use.

This is a bold measure – effectively decriminalising possession of personal drugs – but it is the only way we will finally get to grips with this horrific crisis.

The old war on drugs has failed – and has been failing for decades.

At last, we will be able to concentrate on tackling addiction and saving lives.

After years of dithering by others, Dorothy Bain deserves huge credit for going for a more compassionate system, based on a smarter form of justice.

She was talking about helping people rather than hammering them for their addiction.

The change has not just come around because of new thinking at the top.

In communities across Scotland scarred by rising drug deaths, there has been a growing realisation things had to change.

The Daily Record surprised many when we advocated decriminalisation of drugs in 2019 – after years of reporting on soaring drug deaths.

Instead of a backlash, we were heartened to see broad support for our campaign.

And the greatest support for radical change has come from grassroots groups and bereaved families.

Those voices for change have prevailed and have contributed massively to the policy shift announced yesterday.

Much will be made about the announcement of a regime that will allow those found with recreational class A drugs like cocaine and ecstasy to escape a criminal conviction.

Likewise, there will be howls of derision that the most dangerous drugs, like crack, spice and heroin, might be met with a soft touch.

But this is not about the Scottish Government being “soft on drugs”.

In fact, by freeing up police time it will allow them to concentrate on the dealers and gangsters who make a fortune from selling drugs to vulnerable people.

The Record believes penalties handed out to those dealing in drugs should continue to be as harsh as possible.

But with drug deaths spiralling out of control, we cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results.

The new direction outlined in the Scottish Parliament is a victory for compassion and common sense.

It’s also a victory for the thousands of families who have looked on in despair as addiction has ruined countless lives.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletterhere.