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The Forum > Article Comments > Let's make the drug debate a fair one! > Comments

Let's make the drug debate a fair one! : Comments

By Phil Dye, published 24/5/2012

Yet in the media game, the game of public opinion, it's the emotional argument complete with pictures of grieving parents and once smiling children that has the greatest impact.

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Halduell and Rhys, to make these 'recreational drugs' safely available to the public, it would mean decriminalizing or legalizing them, and this would only be possible if you could also eliminate (or severely limit) the downsides - the illegal labs, dealers, street trade, addictions, addicts and crimes committed by those needing a fix and not having means to pay for it.

Not a bad objective - if it's not possible to get society away from their use altogether.

To meet the necessary criteria, it seems clear that these drugs could then only be legally available through a pharmacy on prescription, and that prescription would have to come from a qualified medical practitioner familiar with all these drugs, and with a detailed knowledge of the individual client's physical and mental health. There would also have to be limits, to minimize street re-sale.

Quite a few extra doctors and pharmacists, a new manufacturing industry, and approved importers and marijuana growers. Could be a boon to the economy and jobs. (But skills shortage could be a problem at the moment.)

More drug clinics and rehab, because some will still become addicted, and these facilities could also cater for gambling and alcohol addiction, and general psychological and psychiatric health services. An increase in the relevant health budget, but offset by anticipated reductions in chronic health, ambulance, and hospital emergency services.

To have some assurance against inappropriate use, there would have to be records - so if someone operating heavy machinery, etc, fails a drug test, their future supply would have to be limited and they would have to undergo therapy. More jobs. But, there would also have to be a complete indemnity from prosecution or damages claims extended to all the links - doctors, pharmacists, labs, clinics and rehab services. (The individual makes their choice and bears all consequences - including if they cause damage, injury or death to others.) More drug testing.

Possible, maybe, but I still think it preferable if people could get their jollies at a dance, the movies, triathlon, or church.
Posted by Saltpetre, Saturday, 26 May 2012 1:46:51 AM
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Saltpetre, why would drugs need to be on prescription. Alcohol and tobacco aren't. Nor are many other drugs such as panadol which are potentially dangerous. You don't need a doctors prescription to ride a horse so I don't see why you should need one to take an ecstasy tablet which is much safer. After all, we are not talking about medical care here are we. No need for doctors to be involved at all. Otherwise, good post. Nice to see some people thinking of alternatives to the current system.
Posted by Rhys Jones, Saturday, 26 May 2012 4:39:29 PM
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