First Minister John Swinney has reiterated the Scottish government's backing for the decriminalisation of all drugs for personal use. This follows a reported increase in drug deaths, with 1,133 fatalities related to illicit drugs recorded last year, an 11% rise from 2024.
Mr Swinney described the increase in deaths as "unacceptable and intolerable". He cited "intergenerational poverty and trauma" and an "upsurge in grossly harmful synthetics" as contributing factors to the rise. Decriminalisation would mean individuals would not face criminal punishment for possessing drugs for personal use.
The UK government, which holds control over drugs policy, would need to approve decriminalisation for it to be implemented in Scotland. The Scottish government previously announced its support for decriminalising personal drug use in 2023, a plan which the UK government rejected.
Scotland has also established the UK's first safer consumption facility in Glasgow, where drug users can inject under medical supervision. Ministers have also announced plans for the country's first drugs-checking facility to open in Glasgow.
Opposition leaders have criticised the government's record on drug deaths. Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra called the record "indefensible" but stated his party would collaborate on solutions. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay urged the closure of the safer consumption facility, arguing that deaths in Glasgow had increased since its opening, a claim Mr Swinney disputed.