Campaigners are urging the UK government to “nationalize” cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines, and have them sold in government-run pharmacies legally to effectively combat drug-related crimes.
Transform, a drugs liberalization campaign group, are seeking for an alternative to win an “unwinnable war against drugs” by setting our practical ways to sell the drugs in state-run special pharmacies.
In the recent book they published, in which the foreword was written by former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, includes a mock-up of what a packet of legal, prescription cocaine would look like.
The book proposes that the drugs are to be sold by specially trained chemists and must include highly visible health warnings and risk information.
A specialist regulatory agency overseen by the government is also proposed to license the production of the drugs, as well as determine prices.
The authors pointed out that sale should be limited to over 18 years old, and only a single adult use dosage would be available in unbranded pharma-style plain packaging.
Dr. James Nicholls, Transform’s chief executive, said that the suggestion offered in the book is a way out of a war on drugs that had failed for more than 50 years.
“Our proposals would take drug supply away from organised crime groups, creating a system that reduces harm rather than increasing it. The status quo can’t continue,” said Nicholls.
In the foreword, Clark wrote, “As consensus grows that the ‘war on drugs’ has failed, so does the need for a frank exploration of the alternatives … It is essential that we begin a serious discussion on how we regulate stimulants.”
A campaigner with Anyone’s Child: Families for Safer Drug Control said that “It’s time to accept drug use happens and find ways to make it safer. I hope this book helps make those reforms a reality.”
Meanwhile, the Home Office dismissed the idea, and when asked about reconsidering the law on drugs mentions, they answered, “Absolutely not.”
In a statement, the Home Office spokesperson added that the government remains opposed even to legalizing cannabis as it is “detrimental to health and mental health.”