To the editor,
Re: Drug decriminalization seems like backward thinking, Letters, March 15.
I urge the letter writers who support this view to think about this: we have had 100 years of funding prohibition and the problem has only become worse.
Criminalizing Canadians who choose to ingest a plant or substance is wrong-minded and a violation of basic human rights and freedoms. The colossal amount of our taxpayer dollars thrown onto this open fire should be put to better use. Fund rehabilitation, keep violent criminals in jail and help the people on our streets who are there because of trauma and addiction.
The vast majority of drug use and overdose deaths happen at home under roofs, according to the B.C. government. No one should fear calling the authorities because of an overdose – this is what decriminalization achieves.
Barry Roberts, Ladysmith
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Approaches like decriminalization exactly what’s needed
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Decriminalization won’t help people escape addiction
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press Media or the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
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