|
Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
|
|
UK: Drugs 'to be legal in 20 years'
Bob Roberts, Deputy Political Editor The Mirror
Thursday 14 Oct 2004 Narcotics war 'lost' ALL street drugs will be legalised by 2020, a major report claimed last night. The study by think-tank Transform said the "prohibition" of cannabis, cocaine and even crack and heroin had proved a disaster. It said world governments would soon recognise the only solution was to legally control the production and supply of narcotics. The report, launched at the House of Commons and with the backing of several Labour MPs, calls for a root-and-branch reform of drugs policy. It said the war on drugs had been lost, keeping them illegal promoted crime, cost UKP16billion to enforce and helped spread Aids and ill-health. It added: "In 2020 the chances are drugs prohibition will have been replaced with a system of regulated markets. Users will no longer score from dealers. They will buy drugs from specialised pharmacies or licensed retailers." Transform director Danny Kushlick said Government advisers and policy-makers were picking up the idea. He added: "We need to consider more effective, just and humane options. As the failure of enforcement becomes more obvious people will want government control of the drug market." The report is backed by ministerial aide and rising Labour MP Oona King. Labour MP Paul Flynn, of the all-party group on drug misuse, also supports the study, calling it "the first practical drug policy road map". But the Home Office said: "The Government has no intention of legalising the recreational use of any controlled drug. "Those who advocate legalisation suggest it would reduce harm caused by illicit drugs. But they take no account of the consequences of the significant increase in use which would follow." Meanwhile, a report out today by researchers at Glasgow University found nearly 57 per cent of addicts wanted help to get off drugs rather than "harm reduction" courses to teach them how to take narcotics safely. And a Health Protection Agency study showed the number of injecting drug users contracting infections such as MRSA is rising. Hepatitis C cases doubled to 18 per cent between 2000 and 2003. --=======570322E=======--
After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back.
|
This page was created by the Cannabis Campaigners' Guide.
Feel free to link to this page!