Couldn't agree more with the author. Prohibition has never worked, anywhere, for anything. Sorry, yes it does, it creates more offenders, more crime, more money to criminals, more fear for those that want a peaceful life and security.

Governments today ban anything that is too hard. Pity they don't make lying a criminal offense! Can you govern from jail? Rhetorical question.

I heard Chris Pyne ranting about the lack of action and too many talk fests. He's right but his big solution was to ban ice pipes. Good one Chris, no one would ever find an alternative. I emailed him asking him to be more creative and positive but alas, no reply....

To Sage, your sarcasm is crystal clear if I may use a pun. I'd much rather use the examples of the treatment of mental health sufferers, the homeless and the poor as being "emblematic of our advancement". Clearly no one wants more people using this rubbish but if prohibition is so succesful why doesn't the use stop?

Simple answer Sage, people will do what they want if they enjoy it. Regardless of known dangers or even certainties. That will be tomorrow's problem and therin lies one of the big flaws in the current laws. It just doesn't prevent useage, of anything.

To Middleoftheline, Are you serious? Are you aware of the current government support for mental health sufferers? What you are saying if you are so aware is that you just want government to pay lip service and ignore it mostly.

I must also point out that use of illicit drugs or any other banned product is nothing to do with mental health problems. They come after using. Using your idea anyone who drinks alcohol should be included in your suggestion as that creates more mental health problems than any, or all, illicit drugs. research it.

Hi RobbyH

I am aware that the current level of government funding and interest in mental health issues is lousy. Do you honestly think that if such a major change in the way we approach illicit drugs were to take place it would not happen without significant funding and government interest in mental health?
You said
"I must also point out that use of illicit drugs or any other banned product is nothing to do with mental health problems. They come after using. Using your idea anyone who drinks alcohol should be included in your suggestion as that creates more mental health problems than any, or all, illicit drugs. research it."

You seem to be contradicting yourself about use of illicit drugs having nothing to do with mental health problems then saying it comes after using.
Actually, mental health sufferers have been known to turn to illicit drugs to self-medicate. Abuse of illicit drugs can lead to mental health problems. Both are true.
Abuse of alcohol, glue, petrol.. you name it, can lead to mental health problems. This is why I believe a greater focus needs to be given to the mental health industry to help prevent substance abuse and harm minimisation in our community rather than leave it as a law enforcement issue.

Excellent article and some excellent responses also.

When I think of the sheer insanity of prohibition, its total failure to achieve even a single one of its stated goals and particularly the ludicrously high costs to every single member of society that this failure is causing, I am just blown away with utter disbelief.

Not only does prohibition fail on all accounts, but it also causes the overwealming majority of the negative effects surrounding drugs.

Yes many illicit drugs are harmful, but 99% of that harm is caused by prohibition.

The puritantical zeal of the anti-fun brigade is just part and parcel of Australian society, but the blind ignorance of those whos job it is to protect our health, freedom and civil liberties is simply immoral and unacceptable.

It should be illegal for a government to subject its citizens to a policy which flies directly in the face of virtually all scientific, social and moral evidence.

I think that dissent is alive and well however when you here statistics such as up to 25% of 16-30 year olds regularly take ecstacy in Australia - stick that in your meth pipe Mr Howard.