The overarching ambition of the Scottish Government National Mission is to reduce deaths and improve lives. Our objective is that no person finds themselves dependent on substances, but that if they do, they should be supported and not criminalised for that health condition. These objectives will continue to drive our drugs policy regardless of the legal framework in which we operate and we will work tirelessly to reduce drugs harms within the powers devolved to Scotland. There is much more we can and will do to reduce deaths and improve lives within those powers. 

In addition to that essential work, this paper argues for a new way of developing our drug laws, one which is based on evidence, the experience of those on the front lines, as well as those with lived, living and family experience, and that involves citizens in its development. It sets out a caring and compassionate approach to our drug laws, which is grounded in human rights and would allow for the provision of safe, evidence-based harm reduction services. It also argues for transition towards decriminalisation for personal use, which we argue would enhance our National Mission on drug deaths, removing legal barriers that currently restrict progress. In the future, an evidence-based approach could even support a national conversation about whether Scotland could consider strictly regulated drugs markets that were evidence-based, cautious and led by our overarching principles.