The international dimension of drug policy reform in Uruguay

Hoffmann, Jonas von

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.04.015

Cited by 28 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…The involvement of Belgian CSCs with these actors is in line with ENCOD's proposed principles for European CSCs, which should stimulate and support (inter)national platforms of cannabis activism (ENCOD, 2015b). It points to the potential development of transnational networks of activism in this field (analyzed for instance in the context of Uruguayan drug reform by Hoffmann, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Belgian Cannabis Social Club landscape

Pardal

2018

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to map the presence of the Cannabis Social Club (CSC) model in Belgium since its emergence in the country and to analyze the inter-organizational relations among CSCs and between the CSCs and other supportive actors engaged in the wider cannabis movement. Design/methodology/approach This analysis draws on qualitative interviews (n=42) with directors of seven currently active and one former Belgian CSC(s), as well as with organizations or individuals reportedly collaborating with the Belgian CSCs. That data are complemented by fieldwork observations and a review of CSC internal documents. Findings Despite an uninterrupted presence in the country over the last decade, CSC presence in Belgium remains rather volatile and vulnerable to external control pressure. The CSC landscape is a somewhat segmented field as cooperation among CSCs remains limited. At the same time, the support base for the movement is diverse, encompassing different types of secondary organizations ranging from national and international advocacy groups, to cannabis industry entrepreneurs and other consultants. Originality/value This paper contributes to the yet limited body of knowledge on CSCs, by providing a first comprehensive overview of the presence of CSCs in one of the key settings associated with the model, by shedding light into the interplay between CSCs, and between other organizations supportive of the cannabis movement.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Belgian Cannabis Social Club landscape

Pardal

2018

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“…Since then, the country has encountered problems with the details and provision of the law and with related scrutiny of its banks. This reform and the process that led to it have had an international dimension and an impact far beyond the region, with foreign actors working for and against the legislation (von Hoffmann, 2016). But Uruguay is not the only country in Latin America that has chosen the legalization path.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Among the many alternatives surrounding drug policies, legalization is one that has gained considerable support in recent years. The long-standing approach has been criminalization, but that paradigm is being increasingly questioned (von Hoffmann, 2016: 30). Over the past decade, several U.S. states and a number of Latin American countries have chosen to follow the legalization path, usually limited to marijuana and to specific types of consumption and production.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Drug Legalization, Elite Support, and Government Effectiveness in Latin America

Bohigues

Fernández‐i‐Marín

2021

Journal of Drug Issues

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In Latin America, the legalization of drugs—where it occurred—has been driven mainly by elites, although much attention has been placed on public opinion. Considering that efforts toward legalization have been top-down, analysis should concentrate on opinions of the governing elites. To undertake such an analysis, we draw on data from surveys conducted in 18 Latin American parliaments (2012–2018), and we examine elite perspectives on the legalization of all drugs. Results from a Bayesian hierarchical logistic analysis show that in countries where the government is less effective, and where public health problems persist, legislators are less likely to support legalization. We argue that this is due to a lack of trust by MPs in legalization as a solution to trafficking. Wherever those concerned with drug trafficking see the current government as problematic, they will be less likely to support so challenging and complex a policy as drug legalization.

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“…The law regulating the production, distribution, and use of recreational marijuana in Uruguay has transformed the way in which people in this country—and in Latin America overall— are discussing drug policy . The wave of positive attitudes toward legalisation that is stirring legislatures in the US, Canada and Australia has not, however, taken hold in Uruguay to the same extent.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%