Reform campaigners have long argued that criminalization enriched drug cartels, fuelled savage turf wars, corrupted state institutions and filled prisons with addicts who presented no real threat to society.

The US used its considerable influence to keep Latin America and the UN wedded to hardline policies which kept the focus on interdictions and jail sentences for consumers as well as dealers. The "war" was first declared by the Nixon administration.

It’s about time more countries began viewing drug abuse as the medical problem it is.

For some encouragement in support of this new direction look to Portugal who in 2001 decriminalized drug use and possession. Dealers are still jailed and subject to fines but users are sent to rehab and many don’t even use anymore.

Drugs in Portugal: Did Decriminalize work? http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1893946,00.html