[caltrop]

No, legalization isn't, IMHO, the way. Giving each drug addict a card from the Board of Health allowing him to get his fix from the Board of Health for on premises consumption at cost is. The incentive to push drugs would immedialtely disappear and we'd be on the way, over time, to almost entirely eliminating drug addiction in America. To those who say this makes it easier for someone to remain an addict instead of shaking the habit all I can say is that's too bad. I'm only concerned about those who haven't thrown their lives away and in preventing the victimization of others by drug addicts who have chosen to destroy themselves. Nobody can save someone from himself - the sooner that's understood the better.

[Puppage]

allowing him to get his fix from the Board of Health for on premises consumption at cost is

So, this BOH will have crack & meth, and not just heroin? Or, do we just give them the most popular drug at the time? Crack is the most prevalent drug on the street now....so if this BOH doesn't "stock" that drug, THOSE dealers are still spreading their filth, aren't they? So, let's just legalize EVERYTHING, that way NOTHING will ever harm society again.

A Libertarian society is not acceptable IMHO. Why should we reward addiction??

[Smokin' Joe]

The incentive to push drugs would immedialtely disappear and we'd be on the way, over time, to almost entirely eliminating drug addiction in America.

THere would always be that contingent who would conceal their drug use, and thus, the underground market would remain, even if substantially diminished.

While I agree with much of your sentiment, the program is all carrot and no stick.

Add in execution for drug traffickers and addicts/users who try to subvert the system and it might be more effective. Harsh, you might say, but definite incentive to go with the program or not go at all.