Decriminalisation debate

[Jimmy]

According to yesterdays (5th Sept) Sunday Observer, as part of the consultation process British Home Office officials are examining Portugals pioneering anti-drugs programme that decriminalises possession of substances for personal use (up to 5 days worth). The result of this new approach (which includes the expansion of methadone maintenance programmes, needle exchange, etc) are promising, with a reduction in HIV rates, petty crime, drug experimentation, overdose, etc as well as an increase in users accessing treatment and greater acceptance by the general public for drug use as a health and social as opposed to criminal issue.

For anyone interested there is a two page (pages 8 - 10) Special Report on the issue.

[OP8S]

Thanks for that bit of info Jimmy, I'll nip down to the shop & see if they have any copies left. It's re-assuring to know that they are looking at more liberal approaches to drug consumption, though I am having difficulty being to optomistic about the subject with the country being run by the current scumbags.
We all know that prohabition doesn't work, surely even the politicians can see that. But in the end it will all come down to what is most cost effective and or will win them the most votes. If a health proffesional employed by the Government tries to put forward a case for decriminalisation, or even legalisation of substances whether they are class A,B or C then as we have seen in the past they have resigned, or forced to resign with their research swept under the carpet. I'll not be holding my breath.

[Lindyloo]

I agree, I can't see decriminalisation happening in the UK for a long time, if ever, the red tops would create hell and our ruling class just aren't liberal enough.  I live in hope though!

[OP8S]

Seems to me that anybody that has any power is asked to resign or given the boot if they so much as mention the word Decriminalisation, even when a substance like weed that is impossible to overdose on & probably one of the safest substances to use with medicinal benefits too is proposed to be decriminalised. What is the point in employing these proffesionals if the Government of the day doesn't listen to a word that they say?