Islanders are being asked their views on Guernsey adopting a less harsh policy for small amounts of illegal drug use and possession.
A project board, that includes the former chief minister Peter Harwood, wants to see if ways can be found of helping users, rather than just locking them up.
Islanders have a month to give their views on ‘alternative and non-punitive approaches to the possession and use of small quantities of illegal drugs’.
Potential alternatives options include:
* 'Diversion' such as health-orientated assessments and support programmes instead of, or alongside, the criminal justice processes.
* 'Deferral' - avoiding the criminal justice process by agreeing to a health-orientated assessment, and recommended support programme
* 'Depenalisation' - reduced penalties for possessing 'small amounts' of illegal drugs.
The results - along with those of professionals - will form part of recommendations to be made to the Health and Home Affairs Committees.
Any subsequent Committee recommendations will be published in a policy letter put to the States Assembly for debate.
"The harms associated with substance use are well-documented, and it is increasingly recognised that steering substance users toward health-oriented support can result in beneficial outcomes, not only for substance users themselves but for their families and friends, and ultimately the community as a whole. This is especially relevant in relation to young substance users." - Deputy Al Brouard, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care.
The survey closes on 11 March.
This project will not consider decriminalisation and/or legalisation of illegal drugs.
Flood warnings in place for next 24 hours
Alderney Literary Festival cancelled
Guernsey businesses brave access issues
Relationships between Guernsey, Alderney and Sark to be reviewed
Healthy heart initiative launches at Guernsey Library
Group to examine the complaints process of Guernsey's health service
Dornier aircraft lands in Guernsey for the final time
£130,000 needed to treat Guernsey toddler's brain injury
