At the national harm reduction conference in Budapest, presenters from Greece, Romania and Hungary reported that there are similar problems and challenges in relation to injecting drug use in Southern-Central Europe, but there are huge differences between government responses. Lack of political leadership is leading to growing HIV and hepatitis C infections among drug users all over the region.
Archives for December 2014
High Hopes in Serbia for Regulated Medical Marijuana
Regulated medical marijuana has come out of the blue as a feasible alternative in Serbia, where overwhelming public support favours regulating hemp-based medicines. The promised draft law is still awaited, however, and will then require the approval of the national parliament.
Mandatory School Drug Testing Proposal Rejected in Hungary
A government politician's proposal for mandatory drug testing of teenagers has been rejected due to criticism.
Romania: drug-related offenses reduced as New Criminal Code is enforced
This year, the Romanian drug law was amended in the direction of decriminalisation, though the law still retains imprisonment and fines as an option, while penalties generally discriminate against the poor and socially disadvantaged.