Pubdate: 4 Mar 1999
Source: Canberra Times (Australia)
Contact:  http://www.canberratimes.com.au/
Author: Richard Upton

CURRENT REGIME IS QUITE ILLOGICAL

IS OUR current drug regime logical?

I invite your readers to respond to these questions: Most drug users (legal
and illegal) presumably use them because they enjoy the experience. What
authority does the Government have to regulate the recreation of its citizens?

Using the current logic, should we ban skiing because it is risky for the
participant? Or gambling because it can be addictive?

Or young men from driving high-powered cars because they are dangerous to
others?

Why is tobacco a highly addictive drug known to damage health and kill
people legal, while marijuana, which seems relatively inoffensive, is illegal?

Why is alcohol with its strong association with violence legal, whereas
ecstasy, which seems to have a benign social effect, illegal?

RICHARD UPTON

Lyneham 
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