[Sangetsu]

Originally Posted by MMM

The success of drug decriminalization in Portugal - Glenn Greenwald - Salon.com

In 2001, Portugal became the only EU-member state to decriminalize drugs, a distinction which continues through to the present.

Drugs: To Legalize or Not - WSJ.com

A most impressive experiment has been underway in Portugal since 2001, when that country decriminalized the possession and personal use of all psychotropic drugs. According to a study just published by the Cato Institute, "judged by virtually every metric," the Portuguese decriminalization "has been a resounding success."

5 Years After: Portugal's Drug Decriminalization Policy Shows Positive Results: Scientific American

In the face of a growing number of deaths and cases of HIV linked to drug abuse, the Portuguese government in 2001 tried a new tack to get a handle on the problem—it decriminalized the use and possession of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, LSD and other illicit street drugs.

But drugs have not been legalized in Portugal, merely decriminalized. "Decriminalized" does not mean "legal". Possess any amount of drugs in Portugal, and you are subject to arrest. If you are caught with drugs, they will be taken away from you, and you will be arrested until you are interviewed by a commissioner. You will be fined, you will be required to perform whatever service you are sentenced to. You will also be required to see a drug abuse counselor, and receive addiction treatment if it is thought necessary.

Please to not tell people that drugs are legal in Portugal when they aren't.