[pstuart]

We should not treat drug addiction as a crime -- it's a medical condition and should be addressed in that context.

That said, we need to find a way to institutionalize and treat those that have become non-functional from their addiction(s). And that power needs to be wielded with extreme transparency and accountability.

[stan_kirdey]

"we should not treat drug addiction as a crime" - I don't think anyone is saying otherwise

[standardUser]

Everyone is saying that, unless you think drugs materialize out of thin air? Because in reality, a drug user, drug seller and drug producer are all part of the exact same system, completely inseparable and entirely co-dependent on one another. Any differentiation we make is a fantasy we have devised to make ourselves feel better, like we're going after the "real" criminal, not the poor victim/user.

The only way to stop criminalizing drug use is to end the black market for drugs. Half measures like "decriminalization" simply leads to more and problems and solves nothing.

[8note]

Decriminalization is the thing you're looking for -- making people free to sell whatever drugs they want, rather than something like legalizing, which keeps the black markets intact

[standardUser]

"Decriminalization is the thing you're looking for "

That is not even remotely close to what I am looking for. No substance that is widely consumed by people should be produced or sold without comprehensive - if not excessive - formal processes to ensure purity.

Black markets only exists because states enable them. We have unlimited evidence that, when you allow people to produce and sell products and make a profit, even with significant regulations and enforcement, they will do so and usually not break the rules.

[Nursie]

Decriminalisation generally means taking away criminal penalties for possession but still having some penalty (usually the user must attend counselling), and keeping production and supply illegal.

Legalising is the 'full fat' solution which allows legal production and trade.

[pstuart]

Legalize, tax, and regulate.

Regulate includes public consumption: you can't drive while intoxicated, but also if you're nodding off from smoking fent on public transit that should be dealt with a trip to a treatment facility.

[pstuart]

The comment I was responding to was talking about it in the context of "correctional facilities". Likewise, the continued war on drugs literally makes addicts into criminals.

[xigency]

Placing the blame on the substance rather than society is an on-ramp to criminalization.