OPEN MARKET FOR DRUGS IS A TERRIBLE IDEA

Re: Legal, quality-controlled drugs would save lives, Letters, March 17

I am shocked and amazed someone could be this naive. Alan Randell says
he wants to end all the propaganda regarding drugs. Fine. Here are the
facts:

Marijuana is far more potent than it was just 20 years ago. Crystal
meth can result in death from burst blood vessels in the brain
(triggered by spikes in blood pressure) or heart failure. Crack
cocaine and heroin are so addictive some people become hooked after
just one dose.

I favour certain legal assistance for drug addicts, in the form of
safe injection sites, where they can be monitored by people trained in
assisting overdoses and receive help to get off the drugs. I favour
medicinal marijuana for those who truly need it to cope with ailments
such as AIDS or hepatitis.

But the wholesale open market Mr. Randell proposed ranks with the
worst ideas of all time. It should get an honourable mention at the
Darwin Awards.

Christopher George

Surrey