Pubdate: Wed, 13 Apr 2005
Source: Tomahawk, The (Mountain City, TN)
Copyright: 2005 The Tomahawk
Contact:  http://www.thetomahawk.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1977
Author: Christopher Largen
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n576.a06.html

A SOLUTION OFFERED TO METH PROBLEM

Dear Editor:

There is a solution to the lab explosions, child exposure, high
profits, theft, disease and guns associated with meth labs. We could
centralize and regulate meth production and distribution in
well-secured, quality-controlled government facilities where addicts
would register before being administered a standardized dosage of
pharmaceutical-grade meth, with medical supervision, without the use
of dirty needles. Addicts would also receive information about the
risks of meth use, along with on-the-spot access to treatment
resources. This trailblazing strategy is currently being used by
several nations in Europe, with a positive outcome.

Some citizens might think this approach is radical, but it would
remove the economic incentive from the producers and dealers of
illegal meth. It would reduce the spread of AIDS and hepititis. It
would ensure that addicts aren't committing crimes of robbery and
violence to pay the inflated black market prices imposed by the
mobsters. And it would take the meth off the streets, where children
have easy access to the substance.

Christopher Largen

Denton, TX
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin