Prohibition and enforcement have shown to be ineffective in reducing drug use and they often had the opposite effect (We can't win war on ice, says Premier, News 5/5). Prohibiting a drug drives it into the criminal world. Vulnerable young people are more likely to become addicts, and addicts become less willing or able to seek treatment.

Profits from untaxed and uncontrolled illicit substances are profitable for criminals, and governments lose ability to minimise the impact or dent supply. We need to look seriously at demand.

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