Friends of RELEASE

About Release

RELEASE is a registered charity formed in 1967 that campaigns for the reform of UK drug laws. Our objective is to bring about a fair and compassionate legal framework for drug use in our society.
Release believes that drug use is inherent within society and that the continued criminalisation of those using drugs is counterproductive and is contrary to the principles of harm reduction. The organisation believes it is important to recognise the harms associated with any drug use but that this should be communicated to the public through health promotion campaigns rather than the typical sensationalist drugs propaganda we are accustomed to seeing in the press.
Release is the only national centre of expertise on drugs, the law and human rights. The organisation’s core service is the provision of free confidential advice and information for those affected by drug use. As such we provide services to both recreational drug users and those suffering from drug addiction, which we see as distinctly different issues. This contact brings unrivalled in-depth knowledge of the problems caused by the present legislation and how this could be significantly reduced by reforming the current drug laws.
Qualified lawyers and experts on drugs and drug treatment, supported by trained volunteers, staff our legal and drugs help lines, We currently receive over 1000 enquiries per month, with demand constant because of the scale of drug use, difficulties in accessing treatment and confusion over the law. Release's legal outreach project deals with criminal issues, housing, welfare and harassment complaints faced by some of the most marginalized drug users in London. We also provide expert testimony at Court, often advising on patterns of personal use of drugs where supply has been alleged.

Visit the MEDICAL CANNABIS CAMPAIGN website