Pubdate: Sat, 26 Aug 2017
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ottawacitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Howard Clark
Page: A11
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v17/n270/a07.html

MANY POSITIVES TO DECRIMINALIZING

Re: Decriminalizing drugs no fix for opioid crisis, Aug. 19

I wonder if Mohammed Adam has done any in-depth research into the
proposal by Ontario and Ottawa Public Health to decriminalize
possession and use of illegal drugs.

Whilst this plan seems to be counter-intuitive, it also appears the
long-term effects on law, order and the health of a marginalized
population are positive and, indeed, life-affirming.

In Portugal's case, it appears significant health and social services
back up the move to legalization. Safe-injection sites, social workers
visiting the homeless, and no court time taken up by people found
possessing small amounts of street or prescription drugs all create a
benefit to the addicts and society in general.

Admittedly, the opioid crisis adds a whole other dimension to the
situation, but should not stand in the way of serious consideration of
a solution that offers hope and dignity to many who are unable to get
out of their addictions.

Howard Clark, Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Matt