Does drug decriminalization save lives?

Re Think twice before decriminalizing drugs,

DiManno, Aug. 7 Citing Portugal’s experience, Rosie DiManno recently argued that decriminalizing drugs isn’t a solution to dealing with the opioid overdose crisis in Canada.

This is not rooted in fact. Our current crisis stems from a deadly, illegal drug supply.

If Canada decriminalized drugs and created a legal, regulated supply, fewer people would die.

After Portugal decriminalized drug use in 2001, there was a remarkable increase in uptake of treatment, and drug-caused deaths and HIV infection from injection drug use plummeted.

While drug violence may have persisted, studies show this will always be the case wherever there is a market for illegal drugs. Decriminalizing and legalizing drugs are necessary if we are to meaningfully address drug-market violence.

Treating drug use as a health issue — rather than a criminal one — would also reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by people who use drugs. It’s a shame DiManno perpetuates this stigma by referring to them as “junkies.”

Indisputably, the “war on drugs” has failed. Canada must move to decriminalize drugs and ditch the disastrous “frayed leash” of illegality. Lives depend on it. Sandra Ka Hon Chu, director of research and advocacy, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Toronto

Thank you, Rosie DiManno, for reminding us that decriminalization of marijuana is simply another step in the dumbing down of Canadians. Sadly, you are a voice crying in the wilderness.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Health Minister Jane Philpott tout the upcoming legalization of marijuana, our young people are descending down the slippery slope to even more harmful substances.

Our leaders appear to give little consideration to how acceptance of drug use is the underlying message our youth receive from decriminalization. Catharina Summers, Kingston