Mr. Speaker,
The amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act, Cap 283, appear to address concerns surrounding crime, particularly drug-related offenses and their impact on youth. However, the effectiveness of these amendments in reducing crime, especially among younger individuals, depends on several factors beyond increasing penalties.

Strengths of the Amendments:

1. Increased Penalties:
Raising the fine for cannabis possession signals a stronger stance on drug-related offenses, which could serve as a deterrent. For some, the higher financial burden may act as a significant discouragement.

2. Elimination of Violation Tickets:
By removing the option of issuing violation tickets, the law treats possession of cannabis more seriously, possibly reducing the perception of leniency. This could change the behavior of repeat offenders who might have previously considered violation tickets as minor inconveniences.

Potential Shortcomings:

1. Focus on Punitive Measures: While increasing fines and removing violation tickets may strengthen enforcement; they alone may not address the root causes of drug-related
crimes. Many drug-related offenses are driven by social and economic factors, such as poverty, lack of education, and unemployment. Without addressing these underlying issues, stricter penalties may not lead to a significant reduction in crime.

2. Impact on Youth: Increasing penalties and removing violation tickets may reinforce the seriousness of drug offenses, but this could also disproportionately affect youth. Rather than deterring them, harsher penalties may lead to more youth being funneled into the criminal justice system. To reduce the appeal and accessibility of cannabis, targeted education and awareness campaigns may be more effective than punishment alone.

3. Criminalization and Accessibility: Simply increasing penalties may not significantly reduce the accessibility of cannabis. Those involved in the drug trade are often willing to take the risk, knowing that they can pass the costs of fines onto their consumers. Therefore, this amendment might only address the consequences of possession rather than curbing supply or demand.

Recommendations for Greater Effectiveness:

1. Public Education Campaign: Introduce public education initiatives to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use, particularly targeting youth. Emphasize the long-term consequences of drug-related offenses to dissuade individuals from engaging in risky behavior.

2. Youth Intervention Programs: Implement diversion programs aimed at helping youth involved in minor drug offenses. This could involve community service, counseling, and drug education, which may be more effective than imposing financial penalties that could be burdensome for families.

3. Community-Based Approaches: Strengthen community- based initiatives that address the socioeconomic factors contributing to drug use. Providing at-risk youth with alternatives, such as job training and recreational activities, can reduce their involvement in drug-related crimes.

4. Stricter Control on Supply: In addition to targeting possession, the law should focus more on reducing the supply of drugs through stronger measures against trafficking and production. This could include enhancing intelligence efforts and collaborating with regional bodies to disrupt drug networks.
While the amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act are a step in the right direction, increasing penalties and removing violation tickets alone may not be enough to significantly reduce the appeal and accessibility of cannabis, particularly to youth. A more holistic approach, combining punitive measures with preventive and rehabilitative strategies, would likely yield better results in addressing drug-related crimes.