The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has urged the governments of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to conduct trials of regulated cannabis markets.
The call was contained in a position statement released by the RACP, which sets out the rationale and evidence supporting a health-focused approach to drug policy.
The organisation also said driving regulations should be reviewed to "optimise individual and public safety, while minimising unnecessary infringements upon civil liberties and avoiding stigma towards people who use drugs."
"The focus should be on deterring and detecting impairment as a consequence of drug use," it added.
The RACP called for the decriminalisation of personal drug use to be accelerated and extended across drug classes and communities, and for expanded use of court and police diversion programs for all people who have committed drug-related and non-violent offences.
The RACP trains, educates and advocates on behalf of more than 32,000 physicians and trainee physicians across a wide range of medical specialties in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Alongside its commitment to medical excellence, the organisation works to develop health and social policies aimed at improving the wellbeing of patients, the medical profession and the broader community.
Drug policy think tank the Penington Institute welcomed the statement.
"We thank the RACP for their commitment to evidence-based policymaking and hope this official position statement will encourage others to consider the public health, criminal justice, and economic benefits that a regulated cannabis market would create for all Australians," it said.
To read the position statement in full, click here.
