Policy Programme

Reacting to concerns that international drug policy debates are insufficiently informed by the growing evidence base, the Beckley Foundation directs a programme of research and policy analysis. In spite of 40 years of prohibition, drugs are cheaper, purer and more widely avaialble than ever before.

The Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme (BFDPP) was set up to develop a scientifically-evaluated evidence base, and provide a rigorous, independent review of current global drug policy. It aims to cast light on the current dilemmas facing policymakers within governments and international agencies, and to work with them in order to promote objective and open debate on the effectiveness, direction and content of future drug policies.

The Policy Programme supports evidence-based policies that are effective in reducing drug related-harms, whilst also respecting individual freedoms.

The initiative consists of a number of interlinked components:

• Reports and briefing papers on international drug policy issues, commissioned, published and distributed by the Beckley Foundation.
• The hosting of policy-focused seminars that bring together policymakers, academics and practitioners to discuss national and international drug policy issues.
• The establishment of an International Drug Policy Consortium, consisting of a network of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and proffessional networks from around the world.
• The establishment of an International Network for Drug Policy Analysis, a group of academic experts from around the world who have produced notable work on the subject of drug policy evaluation and other relevant issues.

The BFDPP is directed by Amanda Feilding, director of the Beckley Foundation, and Mike Trace, an independent consultant, who has previously worked as an advisor on the misuse of drugs to the British government, European Union and United Nations.

The Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme is funded by several philanthropic organisations, which share our principles and objectives. Our main sponsors are the Getty Foundation (http://www.getty.edu/foundation/), which is a constituent of the J. Paul Getty Trust (http://www.getty.edu/); the San Francisco Foundation (http://www.sff.org/); the Open Society Institute (OSI)(http://www.soros.org/); and the Beckley Foundation (http://www.beckleyfoundation.org/).These are research-oriented organisations committed to improving understanding of social problems and promoting possible policy solutions. We also enjoy and greatly appreciate the support given to the Foundation by a number of private individuals.

Drug War Heresies: Learning from Other Vices, Times, and Places (Rand Studies in Policy Analysis)
Drug Crazy: How We Got Into This Mess and How We Can Get Out
Our Right to Drugs: The Case for a Free Market