The problem with that is there is no definitive test to say how much is in your system and whether you are OK to drive. Until that happens it would have to be a black and white ban on driving after smoking ANY weed. The current test is a positive /negative and is not like the booze where it can say your levels are "this much"
There is no need at all for a test for levels in your system. It's illegal to smoke it, so any level should be a failed test. Driving, walking, working onsite, shooting, anywhere.
And if you're 'passive smoking' and get caught with a failed test, you are hanging around with druggies and probably shouldn't have a gun licence.
Spot on. The reason I was referring to is that "IF " they were to make it legal, then they would have to decide how to address smoking and driving and impairment. While it is not legal then its easy. Dont need a test as such. So in order for them to make it legal they would have to develop a policy or test to determine how much is acceptable and still be OK to drive. Until they sort that out, they cannot make it legal and safe.
I'd say, legalise drugs (morphine, opium, cannabis, cocaine). Not methamphetamine - no one would use it if quality cocaine is available.
Have them sold from state outlets, 75% of tax collected above GST to be ring fenced for drug addiction treatments to avoid the moral abyss that is the current state with government alcohol tax revenue.
OK there will be some harm to the individuals choosing to use drugs, but I do wonder if there really would be additional harm. There always will be individuals who choose to self destruct. But let them do so without becoming burglars or having to sell their bodies.
As drug use automatically bars people from working for their upkeep (urine drug screens commonplace nowadays), it should automatically mean that WINZ treats users as non-jobseekers and consequently refuses to support them in their choice - unless on treatment.
Employers would likely move to a system looking at drug levels rather than just the detection of a substance.
Benefit to society will be that gangs and a wide range of criminals will have their precious incomes removed, drop in burglaries etc.
We can stop locking our doors, and cease worrying no matter how many Kiwi criminals, gang members etc that Australia decide to export back to us. They will just become harmless Kiwi motorcycle clubs ---- but with fewer Harleys, more Hondas.
An itch ... is ... a desire to scratch
The problem I would suggest here, is that they will move to other revenue streams. Violence, robbery, kidnapping / ransom, murder for hire.....They are gangs, they will make money doing things law abiding people won't, as that is where there is no competition for them (easier money) I am not suggesting that we should or should not legalise drugs, but the logic that it will reduce offending is flawed. These ass wipes of humanity will continue to prey upon others in any way they can. It is not all about the money, it is also about the power over other people.
@timattalon
Yes, to quote Jesus, "The poor you will always have with you."
But we are of course not talking here about creating Utopia, but of decreasing the sheer scale of the problem.
Apply the lessons of the Alcohol Prohibition era, just as we have done with alcohol. We are currently getting served the costly lessons of the Drug Prohibition era (drug prohibition is a relatively new phenomenon). The blows come down hard and painful, but there is a lag time before we get it and act accordingly.
An itch ... is ... a desire to scratch
Fair point. And used properly, most of those drugs do have medicinal uses.
Poor I can live with. Assistance and help can lift them up to a point where they are happier. Choosing violence, thuggery and power simply pisses me off. Especially if it allows them to be lazy as well. And you are correct, they will always be there.
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