source:
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/for-better-and-worse-drugs-need-to-be-appreciated-and-handled-with-the-respect-they-deserve-20160309-gnf3yj.htmlDoing drugs differentlyDoes Australia have the courage to changes drug laws in ways that will actually save lives ?I don't believe we will ever eradicate drugs from our society. In fact, for the benefit of my children and future generations, I hope we never do. Let me explain.
Almost every psychoactive substance I know has some beneficial medical or social use, as well as its potential for harm. When my partner gave birth to our children, when my father had surgery for bowel cancer and when my son had an infection in his spine, they all had access to powerful opiates for pain relief.
Amphetamines have been used for many years to combat fatigue in military operations or manage ADHD in children. In the not-too-distant future there will be a range of medications based on cannabis that will assist many with seizures or palliative care.
Each day in Australia, millions of people kick-start their day with a stimulant (caffeine), and unwind each evening with a glass of beer or wine.
--- I don't believe we will ever eradicate drugs from our society. In fact, for the benefit of my children and future generations, I hope we never do. Let me explain.
Almost every psychoactive substance I know has some beneficial medical or social use, as well as its potential for harm. When my partner gave birth to our children, when my father had surgery for bowel cancer and when my son had an infection in his spine, they all had access to powerful opiates for pain relief. Amphetamines have been used for many years to combat fatigue in military operations or manage ADHD in children. In the not-too-distant future there will be a range of medications based on cannabis that will assist many with seizures or palliative care. Each day in Australia, millions of people kick-start their day with a stimulant (caffeine), and unwind each evening with a glass of beer or wine.
Read more:
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/for-better-and-worse-drugs-need-to-be-appreciated-and-handled-with-the-respect-they-deserve-20160309-gnf3yj.html#ixzz42vpKEkcz Follow us: @theage on Twitter | theageAustralia on Facebook