Norway becomes first Scandinavian country to decriminalise drugs

Norway has become the first Scandinavian country to decriminalize drugs. 

Out of the nine parties in the country's parliament, four voted in favor of decriminalizing drugs. The new law would allow drug addicts to seek treatment instead of going to Jail. However, drug use and possession would still be illegal. 

Sveinung Stensland, deputy chairman of the Storting Health Committee, told Norwegian publication VG: “It is important to emphasize that we do not legalize cannabis and other drugs, but we decriminalize.

"The change will take some time, but that means a changed vision: those who have a substance abuse problem should be treated as ill, and not as criminals with classical sanctions such as fines and imprisonment.”

Countries like Portugal and The Netherlands do have similar laws. 

In 2012, drugs were decriminalized in Portugal. The country provided community service and other sorts of therapy for drug addicts instead of sending them to prison.