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The post above yours said 'sale' though, not consumption. Do you think it should be permitted to sell heroin freely?

Karsteski 5y ago
Unfortunately yes, but even more so I would prefer if there were safe, licensed places to buy these drugs so that people can do them safely if they so choose. If/when we do eventually go down that road, I certainly hope people are well educated in the harms of these drugs, and that they are in a position mentally/physically/socially to not have to turn to such things...
- sokoloff 5y ago
  Your first two words are pretty much exactly how I feel as well. I can't see how to avoid supporting the black market in any other way. I would like to see some kind of hurdle erected to give kids (and young adults) a serious educational blast before selling them their first dose, but otherwise I think it has to be legal if you're interested in harm-minimization.
  - jimmygrapes 5y ago
    In my experience the only effective education about these particular drugs is experimentation. Problem here is that if they were administered safely and legally, there would be (predominantly) zero downsides. Barring unexpected negative side effects, the only time "this is bad" comes into play is long, long after addiction takes hold. You can tell somebody for 30+ years "this is bad don't do it" even up to the point of using unethical methods (i.e. force a teen to smoke a whole pack of cigs, or give a preteen a shot or three of Popov)... it doesn't really click that first time, or even after several times. The missing element with drug legalization is the preventative aspect. It simply doesn't happen in large enough numbers using the exposure/education method. However, shame based propaganda has been showing significantly positive(?) results with cigarettes. Most people I've e countered from younger generations cannot fathom smoking a cigarette. Vaping, sure, but stinky cigarette? Ewwww, gross. Meth and heroin legalization and "it's all good if you're responsible" mentality isn't going to work.
    - Karsteski 5y ago
      I don't think anyone said "it's all good if you're responsible" lol... You're right though, often times the only solid education is experience.

Unfortunately yes, but even more so I would prefer if there were safe, licensed places to buy these drugs so that people can do them safely if they so choose. If/when we do eventually go down that road, I certainly hope people are well educated in the harms of these drugs, and that they are in a position mentally/physically/socially to not have to turn to such things...

sokoloff 5y ago
Your first two words are pretty much exactly how I feel as well. I can't see how to avoid supporting the black market in any other way. I would like to see some kind of hurdle erected to give kids (and young adults) a serious educational blast before selling them their first dose, but otherwise I think it has to be legal if you're interested in harm-minimization.
- jimmygrapes 5y ago
  In my experience the only effective education about these particular drugs is experimentation. Problem here is that if they were administered safely and legally, there would be (predominantly) zero downsides. Barring unexpected negative side effects, the only time "this is bad" comes into play is long, long after addiction takes hold. You can tell somebody for 30+ years "this is bad don't do it" even up to the point of using unethical methods (i.e. force a teen to smoke a whole pack of cigs, or give a preteen a shot or three of Popov)... it doesn't really click that first time, or even after several times. The missing element with drug legalization is the preventative aspect. It simply doesn't happen in large enough numbers using the exposure/education method. However, shame based propaganda has been showing significantly positive(?) results with cigarettes. Most people I've e countered from younger generations cannot fathom smoking a cigarette. Vaping, sure, but stinky cigarette? Ewwww, gross. Meth and heroin legalization and "it's all good if you're responsible" mentality isn't going to work.
  - Karsteski 5y ago
    I don't think anyone said "it's all good if you're responsible" lol... You're right though, often times the only solid education is experience.