DRUG PROHIBITION JUST DOESN'T WORK

Re: "Enabling drug use no way to beat it," Jan. 21.
Think unintended consequences.

The writer is off base with his attitude regarding drug users being
given crack pipes or needles.

The main problem is prohibition. It doesn't stop use.

You can go into a licensed alcohol establishment and be served a drink
in a clean glass. No transfer of disease there. When you have had
enough, you are refused service.

Of course, drugs are here to stay. They are not imprisoning very many
users because there simply are not enough jails or treatment centres
or asylums where we can protect people from their self-destructive
behaviour.

Drugs in themselves are not evil. They can actually be very beneficial
when used properly. That puts the responsibility back on the user.

It is important that we keep this discussion going until we can wake
up our politicians to the necessity of scrapping the Controlled Drugs
and Substances Act as it now stands.

ELEANOR RANDELL

Saanich