The Ministry of Justice has sent out for consultation a draft proposal to amend the Penal Code, which, if adopted, would significantly change current sentencing practices related to drug possession and use.

Minister Liisa Pakosta explained that as drugs have become more potent, the daily dose of a long-term addict can legally qualify as a large quantity — an offense that currently leads automatically to criminal charges and the risk of imprisonment.

“In Estonia, we understand it this way: if a person is only harming their own health, we don’t send them to prison for that,” Pakosta said, explaining the need for the amendment. She added that the current fear of incarceration discourages addicts and their loved ones from seeking help.

“Unfortunately, we’re seeing that these people are afraid to ask for treatment for their addiction or any other kind of help because, figuratively speaking, they’re thrown straight into prison. And not just figuratively — literally,” she said.

Read more: ERR.EE