Classifying Alternative Approaches for Simple Drug Possession: A Two-Level Taxonomy

Background: Increasing international attention is being given to alternative measures to criminalization for the possession of illicit drug. Such schemes are heterogeneous and a clear conceptual framework for their discussion and analysis is lacking. Aim: To present a conceptually informed, empirically based taxonomy for the classification of alternative measures to decriminalization for the possession of drugs. Methods: The research uses qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of existing alternative measures. It proceeds from analysis of existing distinctions between and classifications of alternative measures. It uses data from a realist review of alternative measures in nine countries (Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Jamaica, Netherland, Portugal, UK and USA) to derive three dimensions of comparison (whether they: are de jure or de facto; involve diversion to an educative, therapeutic of social service; involve the use of civil/administrative sanctions). A QCA truth table using data from twenty-six schemes in the nine countries is used to identify types in the taxonomy. The types are grouped - using pragmatic reduction informed by Boolean minimization across a smaller number of classes in order to create a two-level taxonomy. Results: The resulting taxonomy contains six types of alternative measures: depenalization; de facto diversion; de jure diversion; decriminalization with diversion and civil sanctions, decriminalization with civil sanctions; and decriminalization with no sanctions. The six types fall into three classes: depenalization; diversion; and decriminalization. It is possible to classify emerging alternatives into this new taxonomy. Conclusion: Conceptually informed empirical observation of cases enables the construction of a two-level taxonomy of alternative measures to criminalization for the simple possession of drugs. This may facilitate clearer and better-informed discussion of alternatives to criminalization for drug possession.