It won't happen as long as the debates inevitably degrade to an argument over "addiction". Legal regulation is as much for the 80% that never develop problematic drug use, as for the minority who do. And why is addictive potential always assumed to equate with harmfulness? Opioids are one of the LEAST harmful substances, when given the proper respect and used in an educated way. Many drugs that can be purchased by without prescription nor age limit have much greater potential for bodily damage. Ever notice how overdose deaths are remarkably rare in medical settings? The same basic knowledge for safe use is not generally beyond those with an elementary school education. This could be made available through training, and ensured by user-based licensing.
It won't happen as long as the debates inevitably degrade to an argument over "addiction". Legal regulation is as much for the 80% that never develop problematic drug use, as for the minority who do. And why is addictive potential always assumed to equate with harmfulness? Opioids are one of the LEAST harmful substances, when given the proper respect and used in an educated way. Many drugs that can be purchased by without prescription nor age limit have much greater potential for bodily damage. Ever notice how overdose deaths are remarkably rare in medical settings? The same basic knowledge for safe use is not generally beyond those with an elementary school education. This could be made available through training, and ensured by user-based licensing.
Such a difficult issue...
We could easily end the overdose "epidemic" today if we really wanted to. The problem is stigma, and lack of political will.
Not really.
@@MrCBTman legalize it
I have to say, the formal debate format is more fun to watch, but these conversation-style debates are much more nuanced.