THE POSITIVE NATION SAFER CLUBBING guide PART TWO
The non-acceptance of the reclassification of
Ecstasy is a largely political decision to do with softening the effect
of reclassifying cannabis. 80 per cent of polled Britains oppose the decriminalisation
of 'E', but this is no doubt influenced by remarks by Blunkett and other
politicians that it is 'unpredictable' and kills people.
Harsh penalties have not deterred millions of UK users from using drugs,
especially cannabis and ecstasy. Decriminalisation is likely to have little
effect on the numbers.
Some harm reduction advocates fear a greater witch-hunt on heroin and/or
cocaine users, but the police insist that their interest is mostly about
stopping dealers of those drugs. Time will tell.
Meanwhile, Brian Paddick, the heroic gay cop who initiated the new approach
to cannabis in Lambeth, is still suspended from his job. 19 doctors are
currently under investigation by the General Medical Council for prescribing
heroin to addicts. Drug testing of employees in the workplace becomes
ever more common.
definitions
Legalisation: drugs would be available for a price from shops, pharmacies
or special outlets decreed by the law. You're never likely to be able
to buy heroin from the newsagent - there would be a licensing and tax
system and age restrictions, as with alcohol, and conditions could differ
between drugs.
Decriminalisation: criminal sanctions are done away with - you wouldn't
be prosecuted for possessing the drug, and probably not for supplying
limited amounts. But the trade itself would still be untaxed and unregulated
- run by, and the profit
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