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If drugs are moderately... .
If drugs were to be completely legalised and drug use in the health service rather than the criminal justice system, cartels would not be able to operate. But we speak as if this pragmatic approach to drug-policy had never been with us before. Until 1967 England was hailed as the 'envy of the world' for its foresightedness and pragmatic approach. Benefits over prohibition were easily seen by looking at America at this time. We called this the 'British System' or the 'Rollerston Commission/System' that proved to be much more effective than the results of the Harrison Act 1916.
In 1967 doctors in England could no longer prescribe as before and only DDU units led by London selected pychiatrists could treat drug addicts. Within months of this change of governance England experienced its first ever large consignments of heroin from Red China.
Much of this heroin was grade 4, called 'elephant', then 'Rhino' and down to 'Rice'. This was sold from China town in London U.K, the drugs were preferred over English parmaceutical heroin.
In the summer 1965 there were 427 individuals registered on the Home Office addicts Index, in the U.K.
Ian Harris
REFORM