2001 drug decriminalization law

The 2001 drug decriminalization law in Portugal reclassified personal use of illegal drugs from a criminal offense to an administrative one. Instead of arresting or prosecuting users, authorities issue fines or administrative sanctions, focusing on health and social support rather than punishment. This shift aimed to reduce criminalization, improve public health, and provide better access to treatment for addicts. The law does not legalize drug possession, but it reduces the legal penalties for small quantities intended for personal use, emphasizing harm reduction over criminal enforcement.