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1: Harm Reduct J. 2008 Jan 23;5:1.Click here to read Click here to read Links

Controlling illegal stimulants: a regulated market model.

Haden M.

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre, 2110 West 43rd Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6K 2E1, Canada. mark.haden@vch.ca.

ABSTRACT: 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.

PMID: 18215317 [PubMed - in process]

PMCID: PMC2238741