Pubdate: Tue, 15 Jun 2010
Source: Independent  (UK)
Copyright: 2010 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.independent.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/209
Author: Sarah Fermi
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n441/a11.html

Perspectives on Drug Prohibition

SOCIAL PRESSURE IS THE 'SIGNAL' THAT WORKS

I write to congratulate Johann Hari on his fine article advocating the
legalisation of currently proscribed drugs. The only argument I have
ever heard against this is that "it will send the wrong signal"; well,
the signal we are sending now is being ignored.

Drugs should be treated like cigarettes -- taxed and controlled. The
decrease in smoking in the last 20 years is entirely due to social
pressure; surely the same thing would work for drugs. It's high time
there was a serious call for the legalisation of drugs and I hope The
Independent will pursue this.

Sarah Fermi

Cambridge
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