GRAVITY OF HEROIN USE

ACCORDING to C. G. Chenoweth, President of The Law Society of the ACT, his
society supports the Law Council of Australia's stand on their policy of
treating drug use as a social and medical issue rather than a legal
infringement, hence their approval of a proposed heroin trial in the ACT
(CT, September 21).

Surely the provision (Stage 1) and distribution (Stage 2) of heroin etc
attracts a hefty fine and/or a jail term so therefore these two stages are
criminal offences.

The partakers of these drugs, albeit initially cavalier in their approach
and usually youthful and inexperienced, should have drummed into them that
the third stage (i.e. use of) is equally as grave and should attract the
same penalty rather than receive a benevolent approval and assistance as a
medical abnormality.

The legal gravity to would-be addicts should be made obvious.

Stan Murray, Watson