[GuB-42]

Depending on the way drugs are sold, penalties could, and probably should go as high as involuntary manslaughter.

Dealers often misrepresent what they sell, cutting with toxic chemicals, lying about purity or even selling an entire different product. With drugs as potent as opiates, it could mean death. In fact, I think this is the leading cause of death by drug use.

These practices should be much more penalized than just selling the drug, even if both are illegal. Just like armed robbery is more severely punished than shoplifting.

[awjr]

I see a need for a government to facilitate access to clean good quality drugs, taxing them, and providing the support mechanisms to enable people to come off those drugs.

Portugal is the proving ground for this approach http://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/portugal-drug-l...

[GuB-42]

Just to emphasize, Portugal didn't legalize any drugs. It decriminalized drug use and possession. Which mean you are not going to be judged and sent to prison, but you can still get fined, especially if you refuse the treatments they suggest. Drug trafficking, defined as possession of more than the average dose for 10 days is still a crime.