OPINION: Like most Kiwi families, mine has seen first-hand the dire consequences of drug abuse. As a Member of Parliament for 18 years, I encountered countless heart-breaking stories from families in and around Hastings devastated by them.
So when I cast my vote in favour of legalisation of cannabis, it won’t be because I’m under any illusion about the dangers of drugs. It’s because our policy approaches to the issue have failed, and failed miserably. And it’s because the properly regulated, public health-based alternative gives us a much better chance to reduce harm both to drug users, and to society at large.
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Weâve had a century-long war against drugs, but we havenât clocked up a single victory in a solitary battle, says Rick Barker.
We’ve had a century-long war against drugs, but we haven’t clocked up a single victory in a solitary battle. Drug consumption in Western societies continues to increase, and drug-related crime, especially violent crime,…
