Michael Massing calls harm reduction "a variant of legalization" that has now been embraced by supporters of legalization. That some supporters of legalization have embraced harm reduction is undoubtedly the case. However, I am baffled by the phrase "a variant of legalization." Harm reduction is about pragmatism and good practice in public health, (Harm reduction has also been a well-known concept in the alcohol treatment field for many decades.) Some harm reductionists believe in legalization, but the majority do not. Harm reduction is not legalization. In fact, many legalizers criticize it as a Band-Aid. Since the two are confused, the implementation of programs in many countries is being held up because of US opposition to legalization. Supporters of harm reduction should not confuse it with legalization. Leave that to your drug czar.

Patrick O'Hare director International Harm Reduction Association Liverpool, England

[end]