The idea
Legalise the possession of all substances, and re-form the laws against distribution to need proof of intention to supply, not just ownership of moderate quantities.
Why is it important?
There are essentially two types of drug users:
- Casual users who enjoy drugs as a part of a normal lifestyle. They may take a few pills at a night club or smoke a joint with a few friends over a game of FIFA. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be a casual user of speed, cocaine, or even opiates.
- Drug addicts whos lives are adversely affected by substances to the point of being dysfunctional or affecting others.
My proposals would lay the illegalities squarely on unauthorised dealers. This would serve four main purposes:
- Make it easier for addicts to speak about their drug problems without fear of legal recourse – locking people up for making a mistake doesn't seem logical.
- Stop criminalising people for doing essentially nothing wrong. Smoking a joint or popping a few pills isn't hurting anyone except (arguably) the user.
- Free up police time from dealing with non-crimes and re-focus them to dealing with real issues.
- Liberate our society and allow people to make their own decisions.