But saying that prohibition does not work is not an argument in favour of decriminalisation. If you apply the same standards, decriminalisation is even worse. That is why I'm asking what you mean by saying it 'doesn't work.'

freediver wrote on Jun 28^th, 2007 at 5:52pm:

Simple, if prohibition worked, supply would drop. It hasn't, for all intents and purposes it has increased.

Regardless of whether you use prohibition or harm minimisation tactics to combat drug demand, you have to find social ways to make people choose the correct path for themselves. Fear of retribution does not reduce demand, the only way demand will drop is if the desire to consume drops.

State governments and police are gradually realising that end user prohibition simply does nothing, take out a user or street level dealer and a dozen more are lined up ready to fill the void. The way to fight illicit drug trade is to cut it off at the head, but with prohibition in place demand is still focused on illicit means of supply. Cut off the snakes head and two grow back. Remove prohibition, give a legal means of supply to the consumers, cut off the snakes head and it is less likely to come back, since people can source their goods elsewhere. If you talk to any moderate recreational drug user they will tell you that they would much prefer toavoid the shady drug dealers if they had the choice. Prohibition encourages organised crime, and petty crime.

Quote:

You really think that? You have a degree in economics right? And you are going to sit here and publish on record that you do not think demand of drugs is sensitive to price? I take it you have never actively sought out drugs for personal use

Simple, if prohibition worked, supply would drop. It hasn't, for all intents and purposes it has increased.

Doesn't supply increase even further when drugs are decriminalised?

And you are going to sit here and publish on record that you do not think demand of drugs is sensitive to price?

I said it is relatively insensitive to price. The black market is effectively a tax on drugs. Prohibition increases their cost to the end consumer. Yet it does not 'work.'

This is a difficult subject and I have been on both sides. I am an ex heroin addict and have strong views on the side of zero tolerance.
Prohibition and government supply would solve many anti social type problems, such as robberies, break and enters etc. What it does not solve is the fact heroin, speed, ice and drug addicts in general should not procreate, drive cars or vote.
bugger EM!
Marijhuana is probably on the same level as alcohol.

I thought peope get hooked on methadone and it is harder to get off than smack ?

Quote:


That's a bit of a generalisation.  There may be some who abuse it - but many others don't.  I have seen people get back on their feet after going on the Methadone program and turn their lives around.

They may be physically addicted to it - but that's the extent of it.  As long as they can get their regular dose from the local chemist or doctors' surgery - they have no need to lie, cheat and steal to buy heroin and can resume a "normal" life.

It realy is sad OB I wish I could tell you about an easy way, unfortunately it is hurts and it's draining. You could kidnap her and hold her for as long as you like, she will just be waiting for her chance. The only way is if she is willing.

Mantra, you might think they are living a normal life, if they don't want you to know then you will not know, not every junkie is drawn and sick looking, not every junkie is a thief but they all lie to some extent.I had my last 2 boxing fights as an addict.

Merou - that's why I put "normal" in inverted commas. I have no illusions about the nature of a junkie.   Like Oceans - I have a sibling who has been using the program for many years - and he is an angel today compared with what he used to be like.

He works, pays his bills and fulfills his obligations.  To  me that is 1000% better than the life he led as a junkie not to mention the pain he put our family through.

A friend works for a chemist supplying methadone and many of the people who come in for their dose are office workers, sales people, executives, tradesmen and of course the occasional dreg.

But if half these people can lead some sort of responsible life - good on them and good on the program.