Drug decriminalisation in Europe may be slowing down
An increase in gang violence and open-air drug use is changing politicians’ minds
![Boys smoke cannabis on Museum Square in Amsterdam](https://www.economist.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1424,quality=80,format=auto/content-assets/images/20240323_EUP001.jpg)
“HASH? WEED? Cocaine?” In central Lisbon, even your grey-haired correspondent gets the pitch. The Vale de Alcântara, a valley housing a main road alongside a park, is strewn with garbage and drug paraphernalia. Dealers and users huddle in a strip of dilapidated buildings. Nearby is a government-run facility where they can get high safely. But it is often full, and some like it better outside.
This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Second thoughts”
Europe March 23rd 2024
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