Estonian policy on drugs

Illicit drug policy in Estonia is set out in two strategic documents: the National Health Plan 2009-20 and the White Paper on Drug Prevention Policy. The Health Plan serves as the national drug strategy, stating the objectives on illicit drugs. It seeks to prevent and reduce both the consumption of narcotic substances and the health and social damage caused by drug use. Whereas the Minister of Social Affairs holds overall responsibility for the National Health Plan 2009-20, the Minister of the Interior is responsible for drugs issues within the plan and its action plans.

The White Paper on Drug Prevention Policy, adopted in January 2014, elaborates on Estonia’s illicit drug policy; its main objective is to reduce drug use and the resulting harms. It follows the EU’s balanced approach to drug policy and is structured around seven pillars:
(i) supply reduction; (ii) universal primary prevention; (iii) early detection and intervention; (iv) harm reduction; (v) treatment and rehabilitation; (vi) resocialisation; and (vii) monitoring. Specific actions for achieving the individual objectives of each pillar are specified in an action plan appended to the White Paper, addressing the period to 2018. The White Paper on Drug Prevention Policy is a scientifically based guide for the annual planning of activities in the field of illicit drugs.