Decree-Law 15/93

Decree-Law 15/93 is a significant piece of legislation in the field of medicine and healthcare in Portugal. It was enacted on January 22, 1993, and it primarily focuses on the regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Overview

Decree-Law 15/93 is a comprehensive legal framework that regulates the use, production, trade, and possession of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It aims to prevent and combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking, while ensuring the availability of these substances for medical and scientific purposes.

Provisions

The law categorizes narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances into four schedules, based on their potential for abuse and therapeutic value. Schedule I includes substances with a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use, while Schedule IV includes substances with a low potential for abuse and recognized medical use.

The law also establishes a licensing system for the production, trade, and possession of these substances. It sets out the procedures for obtaining a license, the conditions for maintaining it, and the penalties for violations.

Impact

Decree-Law 15/93 has had a significant impact on the healthcare sector in Portugal. It has helped to regulate the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in medical practice, and it has contributed to the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Criticism

Despite its achievements, the law has also faced criticism. Some argue that it is overly restrictive and hampers the availability of these substances for medical and scientific purposes. Others contend that it does not adequately address the issue of drug addiction and the need for harm reduction strategies.

See also

• Drug policy of Portugal
• Healthcare in Portugal
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law