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Drugs
Apr 26, 2009 18:00:57 GMT 10
Post by Tamrin on Apr 26, 2009 18:00:57 GMT 10
If we assume that anti-drug laws are intended to protect users and/or society, they can be seen to fail on both fronts. I'm all for decriminalizing any and all drugs. When laudanum was available over the counter, its usage was seen as a pathetic addiction. Now the use of opiates attracts those wanting to be rebels!? Over the counter, pharmacists could again counsel reduced consumption, while illicit dealers are more likely to tempt users further into drug usage.
Removing organized crime from the equation would be a huge plus. As with alcohol the sales would need to be restricted to authorized distributors (or home grown); as with driving under the influence of alcohol, some activities ought to be restricted; and, as with under-age drinking, allowed only for consenting adults (use of drugs on a non-consenting other still ought to be considered as a major assault).
One consequence may be that the risk of self harm may no longer be enough to warrant non-voluntary Mental Health care and suicide attempts and even euthanasia would become problematic reasons for intervention (the right to die may come to be seen as a natural extension of other Human Rights).
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Drugs
Apr 27, 2009 7:22:01 GMT 10
Post by Azaziel on Apr 27, 2009 7:22:01 GMT 10
One of the most dangerous and addictive forms of drugs is cigerettes, if we had the polictial will we would legalise cannabis/hemp, not only for smoking, and our associated health costs would markedly decrease over time, but also for all the other uses, ie, paper production, medicene etc, and as you stated, Philip, we could , if not take out the big drug cartels( criminals) severly limit their operations and see , I would think, a huge reduction in crime and voilence
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