Background: Drug policy is a polarized and value-laden policy area with divergent interests of stakeholders. Through a Swedish case study, this article examines stakeholders’ strategies to influence drug policy, and perceptions of their own and others’ opportunities to influence drug policy—a topic that has not been systematically analyzed previously.

Methods: The analysis of 38 semi-structured key informant interviews with stakeholders within the national-level drug policy field drew on concepts from research on political access and influence strategies.

Results: Most stakeholders used both ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ strategies when trying to influence drug policy. The majority perceived having opportunities to influence but they agreed that the voices of people who use drugs (PWUD) and significant others remained unheard. Stakeholders’ power and interest varied within the drug policy field, as did their resources, often serving as a doorway to political arenas and greater influence.

Conclusion: This study highlights the variety of strategies stakeholders use in drug policymaking, and how stakeholders’ resources are connected to their power and :opportunities to influence drug policy. Consequently, power outweighs interest, leaving PWUD and significant others in a weak position. A political will is necessary to ensure more equitable stakeholder involvement in drug policymaking.