[sealjam]

I read the parent post as highlighting the fact that the illegality of opiates/meth is not helping to protect people from them.

Perhaps the implication is that we need other solutions aside from making things illegal.

[hopler]

Opiates aren't a catastrophe because they are illegal, they are a catastrophe because government prosecutes the victims and not the perpetrators (manufacters/dealers).

[pstuart]

When my brother overdosed on heroin he was shooting up unknown quality/potency. If he was using legal dope he'd likely not have made that mistake.

I agree with the government victimization but legal drugs implies purity and labeling requirements to allow choices to be better informed.

[hopler]

There is no safe dose of heroin.

It doesn't matter how pure it is if you can buy enough to kill an elephant at they grocery store.

[pstuart]

> There is no safe dose of heroin

Not true at all. One could safely be a long-time heroin addict with a supply with guaranteed purity and strength. Not a recommended lifestyle, but it's true.

[kaybe]

It's still an advantage if you only overdose on purpose and not by accident too.

[v_lisivka]

Legality of alcohol doesn't protect either.

[pstuart]

That was my intent.