Is Portugals Liberal Drug Policy a Model for US?

"The data show that, judged by virtually every metric, the Portuguese decriminalization framework has been a resounding success," according to a 2009 report from Washington-based Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. "None of the nightmare scenarios touted by pre-enactment decriminalization opponents -- from rampant increases in drug usage among the young to the transformation of Lisbon into a haven for 'drug tourists' -- has occurred."