Pubdate: Wed, 28 Feb 2007
Source: Argus, The (UK)
Copyright: 2007 Newsquest Media Group
Contact:  http://www.thisisworthing.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2706
Author: Robert Sharpe

DRUGS PROHIBITION IS NOT THE CURE FOR ADDICTS

There is a middle ground between drug prohibition and blanket 
legalisation. Switzerland's heroin maintenance program has been shown 
to reduce disease, death and crime among chronic users. Providing 
addicts with standardised doses in a clinical setting eliminates many 
of the problems associated with heroin use.

Heroin maintenance pilot projects are under way in Canada, Germany, 
Spain and the Netherlands. If expanded, prescription heroin 
maintenance would deprive organised crime of a core client base. This 
would render illegal heroin trafficking unprofitable and spare future 
generations' addiction.

Cannabis should be taxed and regulated like alcohol, only without the 
ubiquitous advertising. Separating the hard and soft drug markets is 
critical. As long as cannabis distribution remains in the hands of 
organised crime, consumers of the most popular illicit drug will 
continue to come into contact with sellers of cocaine.

Robert Sharpe, MPA policy analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington DC
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