The South African Civil Society Information Service
A nonprofit news agency promoting social justice. Seeking answers to the question:
How do we make democracy work for the poor?
A nonprofit news agency promoting social justice. Seeking answers to the question:
How do we make democracy work for the poor?
29 Apr 2014
In a discussion at a San Franciso event that principally focused on decriminalising marijuana in the "War on Drugs", Sir Richard Branson argues that it is also worth decriminalising heroin. He refers to Portugal where heroin use is treated as a health problem. Heroin users are not sent to prison, but instead have access to state funded outlets where they can get their drugs as well as clean needles. Consequently, the number of HIV cases has decreased dramatically and the problem of breaking and entering into homes has virtually disappeared. In addition, Portugal has managed to wean off about 60% of heroin addicts.
Branson is founder of the Virgin Group and Comissioner of the Global Commission on Drug Policy.
Watch the complete panel discussion, "Breaking the Taboo", on the ForaTV website
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