The RCP has responded to comments about decriminalisation of illicit substances made by the former president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Professor Sir Ian Gilmore.
The findings of the RCP’s joint report with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2000 Drugs, dilemmas and choices show that there are no easy answers to the problem of drug misuse in our society.
The report noted that three quarters of the UK’s expenditure on drug related problems is devoted to enforcement and international supply reduction, but that there is little evidence that the money is well spent. It identified a need for much greater investment in research to better understand the ill-effects of illicit substances, including cannabis, and in treatment programmes for addiction. In conclusion, the authors called for a well-informed and measured public debate.
The RCP hopes to review the findings of the report with the RCPsych under the new president, Sir Richard Thompson.