Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026

High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Drug decriminalization and the price of illicit drugs
1Nova School of Business and Economics, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Campolide, 1099-032 Lisbon, Portugal; Banco de Portugal, Portugal.
Background:
This study is an empirical assessment of the impact of the drug decriminalization policy followed by Portugal in July 2001, on the price of illicit drugs.
Methods:
The analysis is performed using a difference-in-differences approach and the Synthetic Control Method in order to construct a synthetic control unit from a convex combination of countries.
Results:
The results suggest that the prices of opiates and cocaine in the post-treatment period did not decrease in the sequence of the policy change.
Conclusion:
We conclude that the drug decriminalization policy seems to have caused no harm through lower illicit drugs prices, which would lead to higher drug usage and dependence.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Control Governance: Regulatory Bodies and Their Impact
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
Drug Regulation
Drug Classes and Categories
Drug Dependence

