New Report Calls for Extensive Global Drug Policy Changes

The Global Commission on Drug Policy is suggesting new approaches to the so-called "war on drugs" in a new report it released. Namely, it believes the "war" should end.

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson with the commission said traditional approaches have fueled crime, threatened public health and safety and led to billions in spending. Branson said the global community should look to countries like Portugal, which has decriminalized possession of illicit drugs and seeks to rehabilitate users instead of punish them, as an example.

"Portugal is a shining example to the world of a system that works," Branson said at a press conference Tuesday. "So why isn't id happening in every other country in the world?"

The Commission hopes its recommendations will lead to major policy changes in 2016 when the United Nations General Assembly holds a  Special Session on Drugs.