THE STATE HAS NO BUSINESS IN THE HASH PIPES OF THE NATION

A parliamentary debate about decriminalizing drugs is long overdue. The
banning of adult drug consumption ought to be unconstitutional: Drug use
poses no direct threat to others. To ban drugs because of indirect harm is
a dangerous precedent. We should then ban alcohol, automobiles, books,
plays and films.

If drug users commit crimes resulting from their drug use, they should be
punished. Drug use is no excuse. Even if drug users are incapable of
distinguishing right from wrong, they were likely competent when they first
took the drug.

Addicts must take responsibility for their actions. The state should not
subsidize their habit nor finance their rehabilitation.

Legalization of drugs would require that Parliament at the same time assign
drug users a legal responsibility for their actions while under the
influence. In addition, governments should abandon rehabilitation programs
and either return that money to taxpayers (the best choice) or spend it on
citizens whose health has deteriorated through no fault of their own.

Some would argue that legalizing drugs will cost taxpayers money. I
disagree. Government can abandon its expensive "war" against drugs. It can
tax the sale of drugs. Addicts, having to pay less for drugs, are less
likely to steal. Producers of drugs are likely to pay taxes.

The fact that I cannot legally consume certain drugs, whose only direct
harm, if any, is to myself, makes me feel less than a free man. Each
additional loss of liberty is a step closer to slavery. Taxpayers already
relinquish close to half their economic liberty. Let's put an end to the
tyranny, now.

Adam Rain,
Vancouver