Pubdate: Sun, 13 Aug 2017
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2017 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v17/n255/a13.html
Author: Alan Randell
Page: A11

LEGALIZED DRUGS ARE BEST WAY TO SAVE LIVES

Re: "Consumption sites save lives," editorial, Aug. 9.

The answer to ending the fentanyl crisis was given in the editorial,
but even as it quoted the words from Jack Phillips of the Society of
Illicit Drug Users, it seemed to be oblivious to the message. The
editorial quoted his words: "As long as people are using crap drugs,
they will overdose and continue to die."

Phillips might well have continued to say that the best way to ensure
that users have access to safe drugs is to put an end to drug
prohibition and legalize all recreational drugs, but perhaps that was
considered too radical for the tender souls at the Times Colonist
editorial department.

Let me lay it out: The best way to reduce the carnage inflicted by
dangerous drugs prepared by ignorant amateurs and gangsters is to
allow these drugs to be produced by competent, government-inspected
manufacturers.

If such a change had been made prior to 1993, our son Peter would
still be with his mother and me.

Alan Randell

Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Matt