The Ceasefire Initiative is a small, simple idea to begin the process of putting an end to the war on drugs.

While drug law reform is accelerating in many parts of the world, it has become stagnant in the United Kingdom. We aim to end that stagnation with our plan to kickstart the process.

Why a ceasefire? The war on drugs has dragged on for over 50 years, with no resolution in sight. There are many competing ideas on how best to address the issue, but how can an honest discuss of the subject be possible, when one side of the conversation is criminalised unnecessarily?

Our current drug laws are not fit for purpose, and they never have been. Most drug policy is driven by moral panic, rather than actual scientific evidence. There is one thing most people can agree upon, our current drug laws do not deter drug use, but they do make taking drugs less safe.

It’s estimated that 90-95% of all drug use is non-problematic. That means for most drug users, the dangers come not from the drugs, but from our laws. Take the law out of the equation, and you will have significantly reduced the risk, and harm of all drugs with this one small change.

We advocate the end of arrests for simple personal possession of all drugs. That’s it. That’s our idea. We wish to decriminalise people.

Once arrests end, it will create the space for a meaningful, and honest dialogue around the contentious issue of drugs law reform. How can anyone be honest about their drug use, when the threat of arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment remains?

We aren’t soliciting donations, there are already plenty of excellent campaigning organisations who would welcome your donation. We do not wish to compete with them for funds. We do not want your money, but we would welcome your support.

We are trying to raise awareness around drugs decriminalisation by using the same language of war, that people in power have been using for the last 50 years. We are seeking a ceasefire in the war on drugs. We want to decriminalise people.

Ceasefires are usually agreed by both sides of a conflict, but in this case, the war is very asymmetric, with one side yielding 100% of the power in this dynamic. That will not deter us from pursuing our goal of a lasting peace.

Drug law reform is necessary, and long overdue. We hope this small, simple idea will inspire the government to take action. People who take drugs don’t deserve to be criminalised, they are our family, our friends, and our colleagues. Only if we are truly honest, can be provide better outcomes for everyone involved.

For more information, or to arrange an interview with our spokesperson, please email: [email protected].

Thank you.