Amsterdam – Antonio Maria Costa, the Italian Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, is seriously embarrassed because of a solo-action by Amsterdam psychiatrist Fredrick Polak. In an open letter published today, Polak demands an answer to a simple question. Despite earlier promises the global drug czar has been dodging the question for exactly one year.

“Why, after more than 30 years of regulated availability to adults over 18 years, is cannabis use in the Netherlands lower than in most European countries and the USA - and not higher, as would be expected if the prohibition of illicit drugs really was effective?”

The NGO Forum Beyond 2008 that took place from 7 – 9 July 2008 (three full days) in Vienna was the first time that a large and diverse selection of NGOs was invited to debate current and future international drug policy.

It took place after complicated preparations which have been described already. For the Regional Consultation in Western Europe, see my report on the meeting in Budapest in Jan. 08

On Monday and Tuesday, December 1st and 2nd, 2008, the Cannabis tribunal was held in Nieuwspoort, The Hague. The central issue at this tribunal is the road that Dutch cannabis policy should take after more than 30 years of "gedogen" (tolerant policies). Those in favour and those against were all wellcome at this event, that is organised by the Stichting Drugsbeleid, the Cannabis College and ENCOD.

Workshop on the opportunities and capacities of drug user associations to actively participate in the design of policies that directly concern them.

More information: info at encod.org