Published: Public Policy Sources, Number 74, May 2004; downloaded on October 3, 2006.

Author(s):Stephen T. Easton

Abstract

Increasing numbers of sovereign states are beginning to review their stance on the prohibition based UN drug control conventions. Recent years have seen nations implement, or seriously discuss, tolerant drug policies that exploit the latitude existing within the legal framework of the global drug control regime. With efforts to implement pragmatic approaches to drug use at the national level, however, comes the growing recognition that the flexibility of the conventions is not unlimited. It seems that the time is not too distant when further movement within states away from the prohibitive paradigm will only be possible through some sort of change in or defection from the regime.

Author(s): P.Webster

Published: International Journal of Drug Policy, Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 53-62

Abstract:

Although many comparable collective irrationalities and social pathologies were long ago laid to rest through the influence of our modern age of science and reason, drug prohibition persists, and even flourishes in our time as one of the great continuing instances of crowd-madness so characteristic of the pre-scientific age. In the past few years many writers and researchers have attempted to explain prohibition’s great hold on us, but none of the resulting hypotheses or theories seem sufficient to the task. With the view that a more radical and fundamental theory of prohibition’s facilitating collective psychology is needed ideas are presented, more as an exploration of possibilities and encouragement to others to augment their own thinking than a suggestion that the definitive key to the phenomenon has been found.

Author(s): Jeff Stryker

Published: Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law 1989 14(4):719-740; DOI:10.1215/03616878-14-4-719

Abstract:

Users of intravenous heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines risk the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through the sharing of contaminated injection equipment. Although most users are aware of this risk, the scarcity of sterile needles and syringes, combined with various social and cultural factors, fosters dangerous sharing practices. This paper examines the legal and political contexts of proposals to ease access to sterile needles and injection equipment. The author seeks an explanation for the continued reluctance to institute such programs in the United States, while similar programs have been instituted in other countries where intravenous drug use has also contributed to the spread of HIV infection and AIDS.