Pubdate: Sat, 23 Mar 2002 Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON) Copyright: The Hamilton Spectator 2002 Contact: http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181 Author: Blair Midgley Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n508/a08.html MAKE IT LEGAL AND SAFE RE: 'Cocaine fuels rise in crime' (March 19). Hamilton Police Chief Ken Robertson states that "90 per cent of all (street) crimes committed are as a result of drug users feeding their habits." Throw alcohol into the mix and I'd argue that we've accounted for 99.9 per cent of all crime committed anywhere. I have a novel (some will say radical) solution to the illicit drug problem: Stop enforcement altogether, and treat drug abuse as the public-health concern it is. In fact, take the next step beyond decriminalization and dispense drugs to users for free. Sound ludicrous? Picture the following scenario: A 24-hour drug dispensary operated by health-care professionals and social workers where addicts can receive a prescribed dose in a clean needle, provided they inject at the facility and remain for a period of time after. The needles can be safely disposed of (preventing disease spread through re-use) and staff can monitor addicts under the influence. Then it's tea and cookies with the Salvation Army and some literature about, or a referral to, a rehab program. Drug users could be monitored, their habit regulated and they could be confident that they're not ingesting cornstarch, detergent or the cutting agent du jour and, just perhaps, be weaned off drugs altogether. But it must be free for the addict; then Johnny Crackhead won't have to break into my house and steal my TV or rob a bank to finance his habit. And because there's no profit anymore, we've just decapitated any group of goofs who import, manufacture or distribute illicit drugs. Critics would argue that freely dispensing drugs would encourage young people to experiment. In my view, those not now inclined to jab something in their arm, put it up their nose, or smoke something named after a part of their anatomy are not likely to start just because it's free. Even in today's environment of high street prices and high police enforcement, drugs are easy to come by for anyone who wants them. Take the profit away and we eliminate the need for substance abusers to be criminals. Granted, the savings from law enforcement would have to be shifted to health care to finance the clinics. But the profits in human terms could be immense. Imagine leaving your doors unlocked or going for an evening stroll downtown without a care. Like I said: It is a novel idea. Blair Midgley, Hamilton - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens