Pubdate: Thu, 29 Sep 2005
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 The Edmonton Journal
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Author: CanWest News Service
Referenced: The Senlis Council study 
http://www.senliscouncil.net/feasibility_study
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Afghanistan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/opium

CANADIAN SENATOR FAVOURS LEGAL OPIUM

OTTAWA - A Canadian senator who led a special committee on illegal
drugs says Afghanistan should legalize the production of opium for
medical use.

Senator Pierre Nolin told an international conference in Afghanistan's
capital, Kabul, that such a policy would curb illegal opium production
and help supply a legitimate medical need.

"Adopting such a public policy would kill two birds with one stone," a
news release quotes Nolin as telling the Senlis Council, an
international drug policy think-tank.

The council recently produced a feasibility study supporting the legal
production of medical opiates in Afghanistan. Nolin said only
Australia, France, Spain, India and Turkey are legally allowed to
produce opium, but the International Narcotics Control Board has
reported a shortage of medical opiates. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake