ABSTRACT
A strong rights-based autonomy position which underlies some arguments for legalisation can appear to be a version of the view that there is ‘no such thing as society’ and, for some, legalisation is unacceptable precisely because of its individualist assumptions. Current legislation in Britain is framed by the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971. The Act defines various offences of possession, supply, production and import/export of drugs. Class A drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD, are considered the most harmful when misused, Class C drugs, which include tranquillisers and mild opiod based medicines, are thought to have the least potential for harm from their use. Cannabis and amphetamines are in Class B. Turning from legislation to policy, it has often been argued that drug policy in Britain has been dominated by a-medical/treatment model in which drug users or addicts are seen as sick and in need of treatment, rather than as criminals who should be punished.
