ABSTRACT
Ethan Nadelman believes that a wisely implemented drug legalisation policy could minimise risks, dramatically reduce the costs of current policies and directly address the problems of drug abuse and crime (Nadelman 1995). His critics say legalisation offers a high risk, dangerous alternative, it would lead to more health problems, to an increase in usage, and a further increase in crime (see Inciardi and McBride 1989; Wilson 1995). Clearly, the debate attracts extreme positions. It is often plagued by political influence and coloured by streaks of self-righteousness, all of which make it difficult to arrive at a clear assessment of the various positions.
