Decriminalise Drugs for Personal Use? | Good Morning Britain

[@sambryce321]

It’s ridiculous to say that legalising drugs puts it in the hands of cynical businessmen. I mean really, what do you think the people producing them and distributing them are apart from extremely unregulated businesses that pay no tax and ignore the law. ?

[@qqyoung2899]

that's his point.

[@robinsss]

@@qqyoung2899 whose point?

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

He makes his point, they'll be the same people as Big Tobacco... It will be profit driven, society will be more unstable etc. Did you even listen to what he said?

[@robinsss]

@@VinnyCarwash-js8op why would society be more unstable?

[@ehaaron]

Also when've you heard of a turf war between kelloggs and baker with bullets flying in a mall parking lot...?

[@TheWaveGoodbye-Music]

Asking peter hitchins to comment on drug addiction is like asking me to comment on plumbing. Never done any plumbing but i know how to do it better than anybody else

[@julianshepherd2038]

In 1971 we dropped the British System and adopted tne American. It has been a disaster unless you are into crime.

[@robinsss]

explain

[@matchbox555]

Legalising and regulating is totally the right thing to do. It will also remove the 'glamour' attached to so many drugs.

[@mrburn6119]

I agree - But I believe the real value will come in the open discussion around it. Way too many parents just tell their kids "Do not do drugs - they are bad and may kill you" The child then sees or knows of friends that have done it _and had a good time_ . This then leads to the child not believing/valuing/trusting what their parents tell them. which I believe is a contributing factor to the damage in society. Peer pressure as a child is intense.

[@Michael-ns1ey]

The glamour will remain. As long as most people are glad to be 'transported' by some chemical or other, it won't matter if it's legal or not.

[@CountZero78]

Marketing will definitely find a way.

[@matchbox555]

@@CountZero78 That won't be allowed like with cigs.

[@CountZero78]

@@matchbox555 they will find a way, cigarettes are still pretty popular despite an expensive campaign. Vapes more so because of clever marketing with colours.

[@adastra7553]

Alcohol is devastating for both mental and physical health, it is also a legalised drug?

[@qqyoung2899]

True, but it has been in use since thousands of years in the UK. Legalisation is almost in all cases irreversible, meaning that if you legalise cannabis, alcohol or any other drug, it is almost impossible to make it illegal afterward because it becomes normalised.

[@jakeh491]

​@qqyoung2899 so people should go to prison for something because its 'hard to make it illegal' if I had a kid rotting in a cell for that reason don't think I'd be the happiest

[@adastra7553]

I merely stated that it was a legalized drug, jakeh491, nowhere did I state that I think it should be made "illegal", or that people should go to prison for the partaking of it? @@jakeh491

[@qqyoung2899]

​@@jakeh491 It does not matter what your opinion is, the law prohibits it and in theory could get your kid sent to prison right now. The problem is that this law exists but is not enforced. And therefore, this law is very dangerous indeed. If they really want to send your kid to prison for whatever reason, they have a nice trick up their sleeves if your kid is found in possession of cannabis. That is why thousands of people are being sent to prison for possession of cannabis in combination with OTHER offenses. If however, the cannabis law would be enforced (an example could be: 3 warnings, afterward a prison sentence), people wouldn't treat possessing cannabis as lightly as they do, and many wouldn't start in the first place. Why wouldn't they start? Because they don't enjoy the consequences, same reason why people don't normally press fire alarm buttons for fun.

[@Tommygun1984dublin]

Should be banned

[@j1701why1]

Definitely. Take the money out of it for dealers. They will have to get jobs like the rest of us. Crime would drop all over the world. We have tried the illegal route it doesn't work! However do the Government want what is best for the Country, well hows that going?

[@mga59xbd38]

I want it legalised. The illegality of drugs is the very reason for violence from organised crime groups, often innocent people die in gang shootouts. Take the profit incentive away, and society would be much safer. Who agrees?

[@rjflores438]

Weed is definitely not something that should be illegal. I think Peter Hitchens should look at the number of deaths from alcohol vs cannabis. Sobering thought, no pun intended!

[@trivial50]

he knows them, he was written an entire book about it. He believes alcohol would be banned if it were invented today.

[@Silverado1234]

@@trivial50 he's probably high.

[@AethelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333]

Ok, stoner.

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

It should remain illegal forever.

[@mrburn6119]

*Susanna* is right. How many parents tell their kids (or adults tell children) not to do drugs as they are bad (and may kill you). Then the children see their friends taking it _and having a good time_ Peer pressure for children is intense. Lets have an open and honest discussion about it. *NO doubt testing kits save lives*

[@markellis796]

How many parents tell their children "don't do drugs" and then drink alcohol and feed the children junk food full of sugar and fat, the big killers are obesity and alcohol. The answer is educating children to make the right choices and take responsibilty for themselves and not rely on the state.

[@DaboooogA]

Parents tell their children not to do drugs The police/law tell children not to do drugs Teachers and various authority-figures tell children not to do drugs What do children do? They listen to friends and do drugs. You see, peer pressure can come from either side.

[@sharonreichter2537]

So sad that no one seems to be able to have a good time now without using a prop. Glad to say I had plenty of fun without.

[@mrburn6119]

@@DaboooogA A peer is someone at your own level

[@bungle3912]

Well, that’s the problem. We lie to our kids and tell them drugs are bad, but they’re no worse than alcohol. Drugs are only bad if you abuse them, and if you do, that’s the user’s fault, not the drug.

[@mikedee1771]

Peter Bleksley is absolutely right. The point is that whether legal or illegal, drugs will continue to be used. That being the case far better to have a regulated market. The illegal market in tobacco and alcohol is almost nil.

[@cdraynes5129]

Sadly Bleksley is totally wrong. Legalisation would vastly increase drugs use, with or without advertising. The consequences for the NHS would be shocking. Mental helatyj ios particularly expensive and difficult to treat, apart from the physical effects. Legalisation does not avoid or close down the criminal market either, as Peter Hitchens rightly says.

[@CountZero78]

How well is the UK NHS in coping with mental health issues at the moment?

[@cdraynes5129]

@@CountZero78 Exactly, very badly, overwhelmed. Some drugs related especially Cannabis, some other causes. The NHS cannot afford more mental health cases.

[@ABloodyEyeFull]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/npK3ZXmohL6Dqs0

[@simoncox9689]

@@cdraynes5129 thats false an been debunked by experts so many times that its getting old

[@alanbrady7116]

I can't see any of the main TV channels advertising "cocaine, it's good for you" 😂😂

[@Anon-xd3cf]

Yeah... I can. Though advertising prescription drugs is banned in the UK and there are already cocaine derivatives in over the counter medications... Such as thrush treatments. Look it up.

[@audraperkins3451]

I bet the BBC are thinking about it.....

[@ATG848]

KZbin "Vintage UK Tobacco Adverts", it isn't hard to imagine.

[@valeriemahabir7997]

Legalising drugs will free up millions in money for health and education. The police can then pay more attention to child and wife abuse, and human trafficking.

[@dextercool]

Not sure why they bring on people like Hitchens who uses specious arguments and made-up facts.

[@thevirgologychannel6215]

I’m British and live in Canada where Cannabis is fully legal. I find it curious when I still see these debates raging on UK TV, like it’s the 80’s. I live in a first world country which have a store on every corner and it’s heavily regulated. The industry is worth 4.7 billion dollars here. You’re even permitted to own and grow your own with some restrictions. This is what takes it out of the criminal hands. Also you know what your getting because the government has rules on levels of THC and CBD. Its just like Starbucks, you can take it or leave it. Let me tell you, if it was that bad, it wouldn’t be legal here. You guys really need to grow up.

[@phat_dike]

Canada is a dump and is only still a first world country because it's hanging onto the work of its predecessors . Once the current generation are gone, it will descend into poverty.

[@bungle3912]

It's absurd we're still fighting this. You're NEVER gonna stop people taking drugs. It's time we treated people like grown-ups and helped them.

[@odini6235]

its time people started acting like grown-ups and stop taking drugs

[@bungle3912]

@@odini6235 There’s no difference between drugs and alcohol, you whopper.

[@TeaNoSugar87]

​@@bungle3912assuming that is true, what's your point?

[@bungle3912]

@@TeaNoSugar87 He said people who take drugs need to grow up. Does that apply to alcohol? Are people immature for drinking? It's the same thing. It's this kind of dumb thinking that keeps our drug laws in the Stone Age.

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

Alcohol kills more than all the other recreational drugs combined. Alcohol is a recreational drug, don't forget that.

[@reactions4u438]

Am in Amsterdam and it’s so regulated, the vast majority of people head to cafes and have a nice time, there’s strict rules surrounding cocaine etc

[@odini6235]

Amsterdam aka zombie city no thank you

[@jakeh491]

​@odini6235 take it you haven't been to amsterdam? One of the most lively cities in the world, constantly humming.

[@dannygolightly865]

Hitchens "the best education is the law...." pah! how is that working out then?

[@sungod86]

Peter Bleksley can just go to Portugal, a country who legalized drugs for personal use some 10 years+ which at first looked like promising results but now the real disaster shows. Drug addicition, stronger drugs, homelessness, criminality, no go areas etc.

[@jujutrini8412]

Why is Ed Balls so annoying?

[@jujutrini8412]

@@dc56789 😂

[@jehanariyaratnam2874]

With a name like that what do you expect?

[@peterjacobs9723]

Switzerland is the country to look to on this matter. Legalise

[@RobKing25]

Neither of the two news broadcasters have any right sitting in those seats. They're supposed to be impartial, yet both were so clearly biased it was, or at least should have been, embarrassing. A further point that wasn't made was the additives put in the less harmful of drugs such as cannabis. Drug dealers are adding fentanyl, among many other illicit substances, to increase the users reliability on the drug. Peter Bleksley is absolutely right: Regulation is the key to undermining the dealers grip on the trade and diluting the harm caused by drug use through the purchasing from unscrupulous dealers. The Pro's of legalisation outweigh the Con's a hundred times over. People need to wake up.

[@1welshdevil]

Peter Hitchens is spot on, putting drugs into the hands of big business, oh yeah because they only have our best interest at heart.

[@davefa1432]

Alcohol is in the hands of big business. Big business can be regulated - criminal gangs can't be.

[@Alv11269]

​@@davefa1432He has voiced his concerns many times on excessive alcohol distribution as well.

[@1welshdevil]

@@davefa1432 food is in the hands of big business, food that is loaded with sugar, chemicals and more, causing diabetes, obesity and who knows what, but profit margins are soaring. Regulation is meaningless when it comes to revenues.

[@Interdiffusion]

Yes far better to leave it up to murderous criminal gangs to control the supply and distribution of recreational drugs.

[@nicholashunt9522]

​@davefa1432 Yeah, because alcohol is regulated well, isn't it🤔🤦

[@bobbypukes605]

Why do they always invite Peter Hitchens? Everyone knows, and is well aware, of his 1950s views on drugs.

[@kevino4372]

Cause they are running out of dinosaurs

[@theukeconomist6518]

Hitchen doesn't know how violent gangs operate, however the former officer does and understands based on experience on how to cripple said gangs.

[@coffeecupman]

Hey Britain - The 80s called, and wants its understanding of drugs back. The UK is so behind other Western nations in legalising and addiction strategy it's embarrassing.

[@samlee6749]

Did you not notice the part where PH stated the fact that the Police have basically given up prosecuting people for drug possession?

[@strambo4386]

So we shouldnt do it becuse businesses will advertise like the did with cigarettes, except we solved that and now they don't now. So can drugs not just get the same treatment as cigarettes?

[@unknown-nw2dp]

WE HAVE HEARD THIS ALL BEFORE WITH THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT IN AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!! Stop prohibition! it's foolish and naive. Legalise all drugs. anyone who doesn't agree has to be completely obtuse I'm sorry

[@emmanuelolowe5496]

😂

[@matthardern1594]

Perhaps the lesser of two evils - people are never gonna stop taking drugs…it’s about damage limitation - and the current status quo doesn’t seem to work…..

[@ManForToday]

South Korea and Japan limit the damage very very well.

[@Vacaiable]

You make a good point. I live in Norway and recently the government tried to pass legislation, that would have effectively decriminalised all drugs. The legislation failed. I think if you asked people about legalising cannabis as a start, and watched carefully to see if there were more mental illness and so on, then the public might be more inclined to support a sort of pilot legalisation. However, the suggestion from this ex policeman is unnecessarily radical. The evidence from Canada is not that good in support of the legalisation of cannabis: there is still a thriving black market, probably because the legalisation was a clear tax gathering attempt, so the prices of legal cannabis were too high to dent the illegal industry. If we are talking about harm reduction, then it seems obvious to me that replacing alcohol with cannabis is worth a serious attempt. I would like to expand the discussion to medical drugs: There are far more people in the UK and Norway who are addicted to benzodiazipenes, obtained from their doctors, than opiates. Does the policeman here think that we should dish out medical drugs to those seeking them? Does he really think that fentanyl should be available freely? Perhaps the current status quo is working better than we understand...

[@sharonreichter2537]

They'd have to stop if the supply stopped.

[@ManForToday]

@@sharonreichter2537 What do you think drives supply?

[@sharonreichter2537]

Today, it's the demand for it. Like everything growing up, kids think it's cool, but it's not. It leads to apathy at the least and addiction and mental illness at the worst.

[@TribalmonkeyS]

Portugal decrimilization is the way to go look at the stats before and after. decades of misinformation is hard to change .

[@maximus8574]

Its very easy to pick helpful stats to prove your argument, Canadas drug law relaxation has increased deaths and frequency of youth drug taking

[@TribalmonkeyS]

@@maximus8574 cannabis increase is a good thing especially if it decreases alcohol consumption. No one died from cannabis. I said "Portugal" as they do it very differently from North America . decriminalisation is only one aspect of the harm reduction

[@MrCmon113]

@@maximus8574 Everything is still illegal in Canada.

[@leecourtney1225]

Peter Hitchens is quite literally like a man from centuries gone past. He points to the problems drugs bring which are not debatable but his solution is to crack down harder on drug use, great idea but simply doesn't work. He also ignores Portugal where the total decriminalisation of all drugs has quantifiably been a great success. It also concerns me that as a libertarian he is on this subject a total hypocrite. To criminalise people for putting things in their own body means you must therefore you believe you have some ownership of that body, ie slavery and true libertarianism is about freedom of choice . The argument that you should arrest drug users because it leads to crimes like theft is also very Orwellian, arresting people for something they may or may not do. In fact if our prisons were not filled with people for drug offenses then there may be capacity for people who do commit crimes like burglary etc.

[@SworBeyE16]

I think you need to read and listen to him more on this topic. He addresses Portugal and "libertarianism", a view to which he does not directly subscribe. He rather effectively demolishes the libertarian argument on the issue.

[@leecourtney1225]

@SworBeyE16 I have heard that. It kind of reinforced my thoughts about Peter, highly intelligent but essentially a contrarian. One time Marxist turned free market capitalist, one time devout libertarian now big proponent of limited liberty. He is provably wrong on the issue with drugs which are based in ideology not practical evidence. Portugal is a clear indication of how the switch from viewing it as a crime problem to a public health one has worked. The numbers simply don't lie.

[@SworBeyE16]

@@leecourtney1225 I think you need to read more of his works and hear his opinions. From what I can tell from your assessment you've gathered the wrong impression of him. I've been fortunate to meet him in person and the anachronistic "contrarian" accusations directed at him are nonsense.

[@SworBeyE16]

@@leecourtney1225 He has addressed Portugal on multiple occasions and quite convincingly dismantled the arguments that support such as approach. I used to be pro "legalisation" but changed my mind after extensive research

[@Kacv-dc1tx]

Its a war on people, the poor go to jail 4 it while the privileged just have some really great weekends when we were young. No regrets.

[@philgibbs270]

The ex police office is talking out his arse.

[@aaronjamesmoore757]

yeah, we need to crack down on crime, at least when its legal the people involved and the activities occurring can be monitored and there for all to see. many drug addicts are fed up with dealing with criminals.

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

rights for druggies!

[@tebraizshahzad3364]

Ed Balls, a former Labour MP and Shadow Minister accusing people of being Liberal Wishy Washy. Now, I've heard everything.

[@TonyPacifist]

Yesss. Pioneer the way forward, Brittain. Legalize all drugs for personal use, maybe South Africa will follow suit one day.

[@rastapancake9428]

Would have loved to seen a proper debate on this not just a piece of clickbait.

[@Climb2]

its the news theyre not gonna spend hours on it 😭

[@JohnCenaFan6298]

Its the beginning of the end. People dont care about others so now we think its best to legalise drugs

[@ThomasBoyden-g5o]

You know someone once said it’s getting madder out there guys ya know, con you feel it

[@aethellstan]

look at what portugal has done, drug use down, addiction down, tax up, health issues improved, death reduced. hitchins is a very poor shadow of his brother christopher

[@CleverContrarian]

The Portugal example is great and excellent one. Canada has legalised cannabis….but hey never let the facts get in the way of xenophobic narrow minded Tory Britain

[@ATG848]

"I had thought decriminalising but not legalising might be a good option. This is what was done in Portugal. However, in the 15 years following decriminalisation, rates of hospitalisation for psychotic disorders increased by an astonishing 29 fold; the percentage of patients with psychotic disorder recorded as abusing cannabis use, rose from less than 1% to 10%." - Professor Sir Robin Murray, Professor of Psychiatric Research at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, expert in cannabis-induced psychosis.

[@pauljohnson4948]

Look at what this idea has done for Portland in America.

[@blondecyborg1794]

Big prison sentences for Drug use will act as a deterrent

[@melinmove]

It really wont, because there are just as many if not more access to drugs in prison

[@ATG848]

@@melinmove I would imagine that part of the reformation in actually enforcing the law when it comes to drug taking wouldn't exclude inside prisons.

[@inky5168]

The presenters aren't impartial - very bad TV - it means they have an agenda rather than being mediators. Legalising drugs is also far better than the status quo. Hitchens is a quartz watch in a digital world.

[@kathleenweinberg6442]

Sorry to hear so many people choose drugs that ruins their lives

[@mrburn6119]

_choose drugs that ruins their lives_ ? Is that any drug ruins lives or is it that they chose a drug that would ruin their life?

[@danandrews7826]

Much like alcohol... lets ban that aswell right...?

[@munnaV2]

alcohol ruins lives lets ban it too !

[@kyleklukas4808]

98 percent of people can use 98 percent of substances with no ill effect . It's basically the cost that ruins peopled lives .

[@TheWaveGoodbye-Music]

Sorry to hear you chose to be addicted to your phone/the internet that ruins so many lives

[@lefthandlee]

The price would be too high so people would still go to dealers, but the drugs would be purer an safer

[@chief2744]

Love her face when he said to make it legal. She wasn’t expecting that lol.

[@markmacthree3168]

Yes got on that one. Three shills there and for once the plod weren't one of them .....rats aren't they 💯%.

[@stormbringerseven8288]

She is a terrible actress.

[@richarddelanet]

The ex-bobby says smoking cigarettes has diminished in England due to and all because of, primary schools... breathtaking ...

[@hlysnan6418]

This cop is talking nonsense - illicit tobacco is an enormous business, constituting almost 12% of the global market.

[@DracRummins]

Decriminalising all drugs would probably work from a statistical perspective as in destroying the criminal market, educating the individual and lowering addiction. The problem being is eggs would have to cracked to make this omelet, collateral damage would be unavoidable and the ease of access would lead to people who wouldn't normally get on the gear to get on the gear. This would lead to weaponising of the statistics by politicians claiming the whole situation is a disaster.

[@mrburn6119]

So you are saying it was a disaster in the countries/states that have already done it?

[@DracRummins]

@@mrburn6119 I'm saying the statistic data will be weaponised by opposing forces of legalisation, mainly politicians.

[@dawatcherz]

@@frogscotch19 yeah, rates of addiction go down because people are more likely to get help. also, deaths go down because the drugs people are buying isn't polluted and the strength of it is consistent (severely reducing accidental overdosing). did you know that sugar is more addictive than cocaine?

[@roro-mm7cc]

@@frogscotch19 Believe it or not, in the 1950s the UK had a system where addicts were given a prescribed form of heroin/cocaine on the NHS. At this point the total number of addicts in the whole UK was only a few hundred. Then we decided to criminalise drug use in the 60s/70s and by the 80s drug addiction had soared to literally hundreds of thousands of people. This was one of the greatest policy disasters in recent history, the effect was literally the opposite of what was intended. Before this point, no black market for drugs existed and we had it completely under control- drugs were regulated and prescribed to those with issues in a safe form.

[@Anon-xd3cf]

Let's not ever make any kind of progress then... As change can negatively affect some people.

[@menhera2]

If legalise drug, prison empty by 50%. Use tax from legal drug to help addict. It is only sensible way

[@valeriemahabir7997]

Legalising would also eradicate the drug cartels, and curb murders in those countries in which rival gangs fight for drug turf. If the price of drugs is very low, or if the drugs are available for free, crimes such as robbery, burglary and mugging should decrease. Legalisation has worked for The Netherlands and Portugal.

[@daveabsolution5246]

It's good to see the police talking sense on this subject. I wonder how many people would support legalisation if they were told the enormous tax revenues that it would bring. Our personal taxes could be reduced, our health service could be properly funded, the police could go after real criminals rather than wasting time arresting addicts, I could go on, but you get the picture. I have been an addict for more than 40 years, never missed a day's work from it, never stole for it, never hurt anyone by my use. I stopped using a couple of years back because my income reduced so I could no longer afford it. Never in that time did the illegallity stop me. Despite the best efforts of the police, there was not a single day when I couldn't score. Even now I do not consider myself a criminal. Prohibition didn't work for alcohol, government should have taken the message from history. Prohibition also created the organised crime of the 1920s and guess what?

[@merseybeat1963]

Relisten to the reality of what Hitchin's says in his first statement. You think expanding use an addition amongst of already delusional population is the way to go.. then something is wrong with your radar.

[@mattm4600]

When i start doing gear i keep doing it till i run out of money or csnt get any coz it 6am....if its cheap and accessible im dead in a month and i bet im not alone

[@tommywilliams9414]

In a controlled medical setting I think certain drugs should be legal especially if it’s been proven to show positive health results.

[@dawatcherz]

people that advocate this are usually the same ones that prevent research into these subjects, which is why these positive health results have still not been proven after a century of repression.

[@fletcherhamilton3177]

Yeah, that’s just the excuse that the lobby cites to legalize them for recreation . . .

[@mrburn6119]

@@fletcherhamilton3177 or perhaps that is the excuse big pharma makes when it gets them criminalized?

[@Silverado1234]

@@fletcherhamilton3177 They should be. There's no regulations now and deadly drugs are easy for anyone to get.

[@MrCmon113]

@@fletcherhamilton3177 Recreational use is more important. It's better to prevent serious mental disorders than to treat them.

[@leefox3834]

No harm loss or injury to others then u should be able to do what u want

[@HoratioKJV]

Damaging yourself with drugs almost always causes suffering to loved ones.

[@leefox3834]

@@HoratioKJV feelings don’t Matter

[@HoratioKJV]

@@leefox3834 It's not just about feelings, you be the full time carer of someone made mentally ill by drugs.

[@leefox3834]

@@HoratioKJV no one is made to care for someone else freedom is priceless don’t believe in hate speech or anything of that oppresses freedom

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

You don't get to do what you want with your own body, you don't live in isolation and never is it that you don't affect anyone else.

[@keithgell8913]

Peter Bleksley sounds right to me, and BTW, I hate recreational drugs stronger than caffeine.

[@hawkeize]

One nil to Bleksley, he seems to understand drugs better then Hitchens

[@dextercool]

"wHaT aBoUt ThE cHiLdReN!"

[@JD-hx7yd]

Children are crucial to every society.

[@willraven2302]

Anyone thinking that drugs should still be legal needs to realise that the reason we are having this whole conversation is because the criminalisation hasn't really worked. People are going to do drugs regardless, so it's best to keep it above board.

[@ejwest]

Why are people going to do drugs regardless? There are several societies one can point to where drug laws are enforced effectively, including the Britain of the past.

[@willraven2302]

@@ejwest I don't care. To add to my point human beings always seek cheap highs, and addictive substances. And if alcohol and cigarettes are allowed then so should drugs too. as the main problem with them is that they are unregulated therefore they kill people. I also respect people's bodily autonomy to do with their body what they want. the only to implement laws to stop drug use, by force, would be through excessive authoritarian means. and because I am not a cuck I don't want that in my society.

[@_swagmeister]

Sorry, but that is just such a dumb argument. Imagine a thought experiment. Any one caught smoking marihuana publicly is flayed alive in a public execution. Do you really think that demand would just “stay the same” after that?

[@willraven2302]

@@_swagmeister ok sure lets all be worse than North Korea then. Then no one will break any laws. unless you are a brain dead authoritarian you have no worthy point.

[@c_n_b]

@_swagmeister Personally I think we should have that punishment for people who want to see others locked up for smoking a plant.

[@funnellbyrd]

Interesting debate, in the end though i have to agree with Peter. He clearly made the best arguments.

[@matthewjames1114]

If drugs were made legal there would be a lot of people in Liverpool having to default on their mortgages

[@Oheh84]

Hitchens fails to mention that the uk has incredibly high rates of poverty, terrible pensions, huge disparity between the working class and those at the top. Get the tories out, stop pandering to the right wing, and become a decent country, you’ll see far less crime and drug use. Hitchens is completely wrong in this case.

[@aussie5941]

The Scottish government isn't looking to do what the police officer is wanting. So debate the issue, not two other people's opinions, who don't even live in Scotland .

[@kealeywindle7170]

Def not it should all be kept criminalised

[@grapefruitlady900]

Yes Peter!

[@CraigMcNamara-fq3lt]

No Peter!😂

[@DPG214]

Peter Hitchens is 100% correct.

[@username_517]

I think it's so disrespectful to say that someone (who clearly has more knowledge in the subject and has worked in a high ranking position in a linking field) is "irresponsible" for expressing a fair argument just because you have a differing opinion - especially when you invite them onto your own show to talk about the subject!!! If your too sensitive towards an important and problematic subject, let someone else do the interview. I know Good Morning Britain is Good Morning Britain, but the way that the presenters and the whole show itself is so one sided and rude (as they directly bash Bleksley, calling him names and pulling faces) is just so wrong - especially when you are a rich and privileged person who has no real idea of the problems drugs and the war on drugs create. it's also obvious that these presenters are scared to even talk about the matter - Reid felt that she had to make it clear that people weren't smoking directly outside the studio - why does that matter? Who cares if people are smoking marijuana outside the ITV studios? That's not the problem! It's clear that the presenters know nothing, and don't want to even consider a different point of view. And don't even get me started on Hitchens.

[@neilmoore5387]

Great post man.

[@juliehaley2765]

People driving puffing on the crap. How can it be monitered? A couple in the USA just recently forgot they had their baby in their car after after going shopping. They left the baby in the hot car in 100 degrees heat and the baby died a slow death. They smoked the crap daily.

[@sizzleshnizzle9484]

Is drunk driving legal? No that would basically be the basis for any drug that is legal. This is a weak argument against the legalisation of drugs. People shouldn't take drugs of any kind and drive period doesn't mean people shouldn't take a substance of their choice if its legal

[@schwags1969]

Take note here people, the Canadian model has increased overdose and addiction for an entirely different group, youth. This is the worst idea ever.

[@aarguitar64]

Look at the US model, it doesn't have much better results.

[@aaronwatter]

As a matter of Federal policy, drugs (other than a handful of legalized ones) are still just as criminalized and prohibited in Canada as in the United States and majority of other western nations. Which I totally agree has increased drug-related harms over the past 100 years or so.

[@TribalmonkeyS]

@@aarguitar64 in Portugal they have taken a multi faceted approach . Not throwing addicts in prison is only ONE aspect of their success in harm reduction. You need to invest in health care, education and infrastructure to provide support . Throwing them in drug rife jail cells might make the hypocritical alcoholic world feel better but is wrong

[@aarguitar64]

@@TribalmonkeyS I agree

[@MrCmon113]

In Canada most of the most important drugs are illegal like everywhere else. The "think of the kids" slogan is always a favourite of authoritarians.

[@richardmcdonald4741]

I wanna see the adverts.

[@PastaSauce.]

Of course they should become legal. I have never done a drug in my life and never will but I see the way things are set up now isn’t working.

[@CountZero78]

Never will huh? Why not?

[@Markustajahoyrylaiva]

what other use there is other than personal...

[@audraperkins3451]

When they swab tested the House of Commons it glowed in the dark , female MP caught on camera rubbing something into her gums , she later claimed it was chocolate 😂

[@FarObserver]

link to story please

[@luckymtshweni5366]

Peter Hitchens hates being interrupted. 😮😅

[@SharkyyHamilton]

ROCK ON PETER B!!!

[@itsalwaystwentyfivetosixo.3805]

the wrong Hitchens died

[@glennedward6477]

He said illegal tabacco has shrunk? Hahahhaahahah

[@garethjones2746]

for anyone who has had family members or friends fall fowl to schizophrenia and the suffering it causes everyone around them would possibly think twice when the doctors are pointing out it's because of Cannabis. If you are going to legalize it, make sure this is fully investigated first because it's horrible what our family has been through,

[@mrburn6119]

Question - Did you allow them to smoke cannabis?

[@grapefruitlady900]

Cannabis changes the way your brain works... Its proven

[@alphafemme8154]

There's a HUGE difference between organic homegrown CBD cannabis VS man made high potent THC chemically laced skunk, which is what most people are buying off the street nowadays and it's that 💩 which messes with people's mental wellness if taken regularly, it's also highly addictive due to the chemicals. If non addictive natural organic CBD cannabis was regulated, it would heal most people's health conditions. The pharmaceuticals do not want this to happen, because they would prefer to get people hooked on their legal drugs 🧐

[@SwissCheese112]

@@mrburn6119 Question - was the police enforcement of the law strong enough and happening to deter them from smoking it?

[@dawatcherz]

usually people that happens to were already candidate for those conditions to develop, no matter if or what they used. let's not bar adults from doing what they want because a small percentage of people shouldn't do it for health reasons... some people will die if they eat nuts, we're not telling everybody else they're not allowed to eat nuts or else they'll go to jail, now do we?

[@williammclean3870]

The criteria that Mr Blecksley gives for his argument is, price, purity and availability. The reality is that, if someone can buy drugs at a reduced cost, then they will. The purity comes at a cost, which scum won't pay. But the most important is availability. We have tried to reduce the importation of drugs for decades now and we're failing badly so that has blown Mr Blecksley's argument away. People keep referring to drug addicts as victims, theyre not, they're criminals because at some point they had in their possession a controlled substance. Which by the way they took, injected, snorted or consumed by what ever means by their own choice, so why is it a health concern. These people (addicts) are generally not in employment, a lot suffer from mental health issues through years of addiction, but we the population have to support them. I would prefer to prevent relatives not have to be told that their loved ones have died as a result of this heinous social issue we currently have.

[@erniemccracken2429]

If they could buy their drugs legally then some of what they'd pay would be tax, which could be spent on treating addicts. Right now 0% of what someone pays for their drugs is tax. 100% goes to criminals.

[@andrewwilliams9508]

Bleksley shouldn't be in the same postcode as Hitchens when debating such issues.

[@audraperkins3451]

True Blekskey has much more expertise on the subject by far . He dealt with the gangs and drugs at ground level . Although I love Peter Hitchens and more so his late brother Christopher , he's wrong on this issue . It's much different from actually doing the work than reading about it .

[@andrewwilliams9508]

@@audraperkins3451 Who the hell is Bletchley and what exactly is Peter Hitchens wrong about here?

[@audraperkins3451]

@@andrewwilliams9508 blumin spellchecker 🤔 in a way they are both right , l'm just saying it's different on the ground .

[@aaronwatter]

Hitchens' idea that the LAW is the best way to educate people about drugs, as a matter of prevention, is totally wrong. Not only is addiction by definition punishment-resistant, but prohibition suppresses real information about drugs (including their harms) just as much as it does access to drugs themselves. To be clear, education CAN reduce drug-related harm. The problem is that under criminalization, sharing real harm-reducing knowledge is often considered an criminal offence. Then again, why would Hitchens be interested in reducing harm? To him and many others, including those steeped in the abstinence-based recovery community, harm should actually be MAXIMIZED as a point of prevention & deterrence. THAT is what we have been doing for a long time.

[@qqyoung2899]

Where does he say so?

[@patmustard1511]

The overwhelming majority of people in the UK are well aware of the dangers of drugs. If you can name me a school that doesn't inform students of the dire consequences then that school should be shut down. Peter's argument is that those people who choose to ignore the dangers and the law should be charged and face jail time so that other sensible people who may be interested in pumping poison into their bodies will be deterred. This method has worked in Japan, South Korea and Singapore.

[@qqyoung2899]

@@patmustard1511 No. There are millions of things, I would have done as a kid if the law would have allowed me doing so. Knowing however that I might get into trouble and face legal consequences, I didn't do most of them. It is not about people interested in pumping poison into their bodies. Who does not at some point in their teens try out smoking cigarettes for example? It is simple curiosity my god... However, if it were illegal and you could face jail time if you tried, trust me, almost no kid would attempt it. Not that I am advocating for this... Just saying...

[@ChristopherTyson-be1fy]

I implore anyone to watch a documentary or read about what full drug decriminalisation has done to Portland, Oregon

[@daveabsolution5246]

Portland is a town of such social deprivation that addiction was off the scale. The problem is not drugs but the society so fucked up that the escape of drugs is so much better than the alternative. Try looking at Portugal, a society which had not given up on life. Drug use actually reduced, and drug related deaths almost stopped.

[@HoratioKJV]

@@daveabsolution5246 See, "Portugal is now having doubts" by The Washington Post. "António Leitão da Silva, chief of Municipal Police of Porto, adding the situation now is comparable to the years before decriminalization was implemented. Crime - including robbery in public spaces - spiked 14 percent from 2021 to 2022, a rise police blame partly on increased drug use."

[@grapefruitlady900]

Wisdom triumphs over greed

[@ErichRaeder]

I would argue because the mental health system does not help with resolving adverse events which lead to trauma or PTSD, there is seriously need to allow access for people who struggle with the effects of PTSD, Trauma if they really need cannabis

[@Raynzia]

That guy who thinks crack cocaine and heroin should be legalised is completely insane. He should be locked up just for that absolutely absurd point.

[@4megii]

People are going to use it anyway. Prohibition doesn't work. Arresting people for what they do to themselves is idiotic.

[@ATG848]

@@4megii Prohibition does work in Japan and South Korea, as Peter mentioned in this very video. It hasn't been enforced in the UK for ages, you'll struggle to find an arrest solely for possession of cannabis within the last 50-60 years. Before then, when people feared being arrested for taking drugs, the number of people taking drugs was much lower.

[@4megii]

@@ATG848 Japan and SK have massive alcohol problems. This is not a good argument, also there are many people in these countries who smoke weed. It's a common drug which isn't severe nor does it really impact you that much. You will want to stay at home and eat food. Alcohol makes you take more risk, it makes people more frisky, and they are more likely to do stupid shit. Prohibition doesn't work. Let adults decide what they will do to themselves, or that is an infringement on their personhood as an adult. A sovereign individual.

[@aarguitar64]

Peter doesn't need drugs, he's already high on himself

[@lectorintellegat]

* sigh *

[@petecoventry6858]

If it's good quality and cheap then I am all for it - crime might well drop and dealers will go under. Police wanted to give it out for free and everyone said they were silly - but were they?

[@juzi68]

The dealers won't go under because their product will always be cheaper (no tax, regulation, "stepped" on) and the buyer stays anonymous. The city of San Francisco encourages drug use by handing out free needles and not prosecuting dealers and users. Certain parts of the city look like a complete 3rd world garbage strewn slum. Businesses are leaving because of theft that is directly related to said drug epidemic. People can't walk outside without being accosted or assulted. Legalizing this poison would make it far worse.

[@Silverado1234]

​@@juzi68Look at the OD deaths when pill mills existed say 08 compared to 2022?

[@juzi68]

@@Silverado1234 Not sure what argument you're making? Both are evil. The Sackler family is being prosecuted. Asking for more is twice as bad.

[@Kronensac]

The part of this argument that won you over… was the fact that the government will provide legal, high quality drugs, to the public?

[@gavinsmith6354]

Nobody asks why people need drugs first place including alcohol

[@baza0]

Lots of reasons - to share, bond, celebrate, mind exploration, social anxiety/confidence, peer pressure, ritual, sex, taste, habit, business, strength, endurance, fun, culture, study, forget, love, learn, ease pain, brain plasticity, anti-inflammatory - are a few of the reasons. Lots of people have been asking 'your question' for thousands of years.😀 and MUSIC!

[@beastmandrum]

BIG UP BLEXLEY

[@DermotKimmage]

The guy advocating for drugs to be legalised is talking tripe.

[@MrChristyCree]

Why?

[@soulkisschaoscrypt]

I don't like or do drugs, but I agree with the ex-cop.

[@Heretican]

Madness, drug use needs to be cracked down on

[@munnaV2]

why? 50 years of this ideology and has it succeeded? No, drug use is at an all time high and drug related deaths are too. The best move from now on is to decriminalize drugs and regulate them. the stigma around drugs is not fair and using drugs does not make you a bad person. in-fact it makes you a more understanding person because you can relate to people easier. its impossible to stop drug use so the best bet is to regulate it to make sure the drugs are safe to use, not laced with dangerous substances such as Fentanyl etc. and not only that but research can finally be conducted and education would improve. fear mongering does not work. education is more important than making people afraid of stuff when its highly likely they will try these substances anyway, what is the point in throwing everyone who uses drugs out of society. it just makes anti-social behavior worst. alcohol is worst than LSD, Magic shrooms etc but people dont seem to bat an eye at alcohol which causes liver necrosis and other problems. so if u want drugs to be cracked down on then put alcohol and nicotine in with them because theyre just as bad !

[@Heretican]

@@munnaV2 🤡

[@charlespirate1]

News shows really need to stop inviting journalists to present themselves as balance to experts. Hitchens knows nothing about this issue.

[@peterdonnelly6470]

Prohibition doesn't work, 50 years of war and drugs and we've got nowhere. Billions spent and the problem has got worse. People now openly tell you they take cocaine. It has become acceptable in society now. Time to rethink everything.

[@jaylockwood5030]

Poor comparsion bro

[@theklaus7436]

I wonder when people would hear from people who have seen why criminalisations don’t work. But this argument is based from the addicted. I don’t think we ever will see a world without bad people. So let’s just fight these people now. And of course we need to educate young people especially. But is there a simple solution? I don’t think so!.

[@francaperotti8343]

Peter hitchens really needs to stop talking about a subject he has no experience in especially when his brother has addicted to alcohol and he didn't want to help him stop instead he decided to never talk to him until his brother was dying from cancer. Addiction is dangerous and to stop children taking drugs is to stop selling it in the f ing first place.

[@patmustard1511]

Peter Hitchens has pointed out the devastating impact that drug addiction has on families and that users are not an island and their poor choices have negative consequences not only on their friends and family but society as a whole.

[@sparkandflame]

Ilegal tobacco isnt much of a thing? *Kicks 2 pouches of illegal backy under couch* Come on ex policeman..

[@SlimSarah77]

If cannabis was legal wouldn’t it take most criminals off streets ? Also it could be regulated. Most prescriptions medications have terrible side effects.

[@SlimSarah77]

People forget about Alcohol… I work in community and Alcohol is by far more dangerous these days

[@Lloyd1885]

No it would make what they do legal overnight...which isnt good

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

no, he already talks about that in Canada, do you even listen what you watch videos?

[@E83X]

Why does Hitchens instantly assume that legal cannabis would be marketed and advertised? As someone who would welcome such a change, I'd want it to be as close to invisible as possible. No ads, no marketing, plain packaging, discreet purchasing options (online/home deliveries, for example)

[@HoratioKJV]

See alcohol and tobacco.

[@blanemckay9278]

That’s how Big Business operates

[@jamesterminiello8763]

Do you think children will follow any rules relating to drugs. Were you ever a child?

[@valeriemahabir7997]

Cigarette advertising has been banned. The advertising of drugs can also be banned.