Commentary
Controlling illegal stimulants: a regulated market model
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Correspondence: Mark Haden mark.haden@vch.ca
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre, 2110 West 43rd Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6K 2E1, Canada
Harm Reduction Journal 2008, 5:1 doi:10.1186/1477-7517-5-1
Published: 23 January 2008Abstract
Prohibition of illegal drugs is a failed social policy and new models of regulation of these substances are needed. This paper explores a proposal for a post-prohibition, public health based model for the regulation of the most problematic drugs, the smokable and injectable stimulants. The literature on stimulant maintenance is explored. Seven foundational principles are suggested that could support this regulatory model of drug control that would reduce both health and social problems related to illegal stimulants. Some details of this model are examined and the paper concludes that drug policies need to be subject to research and based on evidence.