Your shout: should we legalise and tax drugs?
As Sir Richard Branson proposes relaxing laws and regulating illegal drugs, let us know what you think.
The issue of legalising drugs is back on the political agenda. This follows an appearance by Sir Richard Branson before the Commons Home Affair Committee, where he argued drugs should be legalised, regulated and taxed.
Branson said that the 20% of police time and £200 million spent on prosecuting people for drug possession would be better spent targeting the gangs who supply the drugs.
He is the first witness to appear in front of the committee’s inquiry on drug policy.
Regulation and taxation of illegal drugs has been proposed periodically, although an inquiry 10 years ago, with David Cameron on the committee, rejected legislation and decriminalisation.
What do you think about legalising drugs? Could it be both a better way to control the supply and to raise much-needed revenue for the Treasury? Have your say in the Comments box below.
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Present policies do not seem to be working. Maybe it should be tried and taxed with money "Hypothecated" to the NHS. Could be for a trial period but could also be a bit of a Pandora's Box.
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At last - even if it is coming from Richard Branson, I have been an advocate of legalising drugs for years. If it only reduces the crime rate associated with users stealing, mugging and shoplifting to get the money to buy the stuff it will be a success. As for the users of drugs, drink and tobacco - each to his own there is no secret regarding the degenerate use of any of these substances. An earlier post reccommends that abusers of any of these addictions should be charged for any related treatment, a wonderful idea. As for any of these users getting behind a wheel of a car or using heavy machinery, I thought there were already laws against this. If all the above were put into action the prisons would be less congested, the police would be able to target real criminals, the health service would not be so hard pressed and may be we could get our streets back.
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Ooo yes please Evereddie ! I've often wondered and as a pensioner now a bit of free fun sounds good There's little else to look forward to
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29 January 2012