Try Not to be Confused by Drugs

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There seem to be two camps in the drug legalisation debate: Those who want addicts treated, and those who want criminals punished.

That's not very clear, is it.

Those who want addicts treated will say, addicts are only "criminals" because drug use is a "crime". Which is true. But misses the point.

Those who want criminals punished point to violence, theft and robbery which are perpetrated by drug addicts who need money for their fix. Which is true. But misses the point.

Make drug use -- any drug use -- legal. Violence, theft and robbery are still crimes. Punish the criminals. Treat the addicts. Addicts who commit crimes -- other than simple use of drugs -- are still criminals.

A drug addict may also be a criminal. A non drug addict may also be a criminal. Both should be treated as criminals.

Make drug use legal. A drug user is not a criminal just for using drugs. They may need treatment. They do not need punishment.

There is only one point of view in the drug legalisation debate: Those who do not want either drug users or non drug users to commit crimes against other people.

What remains for debate is "self harm". As long as it does not affect anyone else, should "self harm" be a criminal act?

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