Illegality, decriminalization or legalization?

[Drifter]

Admittedly there is a drug "problem" in Australia (and still in the USA of course) although it's perhaps so familiar as to not be particularly newsworthy unless there's an overseas jail term involved or a death by overdose. Rave culture adores synthetic stimulants. Nothing need really be said about Nimbin (sp?). There are still substance abuse issues with marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, ecstasy and especially speed and new variations. Is illegality the correct response?

A while ago, even in the US, there was the legalization debate: legalize the drugs, quality control them, regulate supply and keep users healthy (and monitored?). Not happened. But, are the "shooting galleries" still a controvery? Did they work? However, there is a certain move to decriminalization in some Australian states, particularly of the unholy weed. Will other substances necessarily follow? Should they? In South Australia (and elsewhere?) marijuana is decriminalized, for some time. It is apparently legal to grow your own for home use. Of course that doesn't mean you can have a greenhouse full of hydroponically enhanced plants, but for home use, no big deal. Obtaining paraphernalia, also not a problem apparently. Should that be the case?

It's an old, familiar issue, but an intriguing one: what do you do about drugs? and drug users?

[Lizard Drinkin]

I seem to remember a lengthy and exhaustive discussion in another section late last year: I'll see if I can find the link for you.

[Diabolical]

I seem to remember a lengthy and exhaustive discussion in another section late last year: I'll see if I can find the link for you.

http://forums.eyo.com.au/showthread.php?t=52382&page=1&pp=15&highlight=heroin

*batts lashes* Yes, it's had a pretty good going over.

[Hermit]

Thank you for digging up the link, Diabolical. Let's resume the discussion over there.