Amending un drug treaties to allow member states self-determination

Purpose-This paper aims to analyse the fundamental principles of the main international conventions against use of drug and to verify if it would be preferable to let European Member States adopt specific measures according to own needs at a national level. Design/methodology/approach-The research uses a comparative approach by examining the different national legislations in respect of the discipline of the international conventions for finding analogies and differences between them. Findings-The research has discovered a wide variation in the criteria for triggering a legislative response and in the penalties for non-compliance. Nevertheless, there seems to be a trend towards countries focusing on penalising supply rather than possession of these substances. Research limitations/implications-To maintain a common international level in fighting against the use and commerce of drug to enforce the effectiveness of national regulations. Practical implications-The achievement of a high level of health protection, well-being and social cohesion to prevent and reduce drug use, dependence and drug-related damage to health and society. Social implications-To ensure a high level of security for the general public by taking action against drug production, cross-border trafficking in drugs and the diversion of chemical precursors used in drug production, as well as by intensifying preventive action against drug-related crime through effective cooperation, embedded in a joint approach. Originality/value-This is a fast-moving area of law, which continues to evolve for the different new substances being introduced in international drug traffic, so different solutions to the problem can be found by national legislators who need to be coordinated at an international level.