Analise econômica das mudanças das Políticas das Drogas: Canadá, Portugal, Uruguai e o Estado do Colorado (EUA)

Abstract

This study aimed at analyzing economically the changes in drug policies, using as a case study: Canada, Portugal, Uruguay and the State of Colorado (USA). Specifically, it analyzed Canada's new drug policy, given the nationalization of marijuana production for medical purposes and its public health program focused on harm reduction and the health of problem drug users. He verified the changes that occurred after decriminalization of drugs in Portugal and their results. He studied and followed the implementation of the law of Uruguay that legalized the production, size and consumption of marijuana for recreational purposes. He examined the landmark case of the State of Colorado (USA), which legalized the recreational use of marijuana and allowed the cultivation and sale of cannabis by private initiative. The methodology used in this work, in support of the objectives, was a descriptive exploratory bibliographical research. The presentation of the results was accomplished through the compilation of the analysis and discussion of the information contained in the secondary sources, which enabled the answer of the research problem. The result of the research has shown that there are effective alternative policies to combat illicit drug market, which allow to reduce organized crime and to better address the issue of problematic drug use.