The Current state of drug policy debate / TNI UNGASS, 30 April 2008
http://www.ungassondrugs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=206&Itemid=79
Martin Jelsma
“This document offers an overview of the current trends in the search for possible alternative policies, particularly in the scope of the European Union and the United Nations. When speaking of alternative policies, it is easy to fall into the trap of over-simplifying the difference between prohibition and legalization. However, thinking in terms of this dichotomy is of little use when searching for strategies for change. At an abstract level, in the conceptual debate, bringing to the discussion the concept of legalization might be useful for questioning the current system. But legalization is not necessarily the answer, or the solution, for all the problems related to the existence of the illegal drugs economy. Just as extremely repressive methods used to control drugs can have harmful effects, so the absence of certain control measures can also have a negative effect on public health.”
PDF - http://www.ungassondrugs.org/images/stories/currentstate-e.pdf