great post, Jared. However, in the US, 90% of the money spent on drug policy goes to policing and punishment, with 10% going to treatment and prevention. In Portugal (the most tolerant country on this matter) the ratio is exact opposite. (Hard) drugs 'aint the problem; US politicians' incentives are.
Yes. 20 years ago, Portugal had a terrible heroin and crime problem. They legalized all drugs - but you have to go to a "drug center" to get your dope and shoot up. They supply untainted drugs and clean needles, and offer rehab to anyone who wants it. Lo and behold, 20 years later, street crime and burglaries are down 90%, as is heroin use. In other words, there's a big difference between de facto legalization, like we have in the US, and actually doing something about the problem.
FWIW it’s all legal opiates doing the killing. Big pharma at its very best. Lie and go off label and pay the fines as a cost of doing business. The opiate crisis eclipses all other drugs in terms of negative impact. Opiates STILL handed out like Skittles by the teledocs.
Poor behavior eventually leads to pain, which leads to changes. The economic cycle has induced laziness by allowing it to occur without pain. Change is coming, because a lot of folks will be in a world of hurt.
great post, Jared. However, in the US, 90% of the money spent on drug policy goes to policing and punishment, with 10% going to treatment and prevention. In Portugal (the most tolerant country on this matter) the ratio is exact opposite. (Hard) drugs 'aint the problem; US politicians' incentives are.
Yes. 20 years ago, Portugal had a terrible heroin and crime problem. They legalized all drugs - but you have to go to a "drug center" to get your dope and shoot up. They supply untainted drugs and clean needles, and offer rehab to anyone who wants it. Lo and behold, 20 years later, street crime and burglaries are down 90%, as is heroin use. In other words, there's a big difference between de facto legalization, like we have in the US, and actually doing something about the problem.
Anyone this uptight really does need a little weed....
Nice soapbox. Got a hose?
Fun read, Jared.
FWIW it’s all legal opiates doing the killing. Big pharma at its very best. Lie and go off label and pay the fines as a cost of doing business. The opiate crisis eclipses all other drugs in terms of negative impact. Opiates STILL handed out like Skittles by the teledocs.
Poor behavior eventually leads to pain, which leads to changes. The economic cycle has induced laziness by allowing it to occur without pain. Change is coming, because a lot of folks will be in a world of hurt.