NCJ Number
122488
Journal
International Journal on Drug Policy Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (January/February 1990) Pages: 20-23
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In this dialogue Kurt Schmoke, the mayor of Baltimore, explains his view that the best way to address the drug abuse problem is to focus on it as a public health problem rather than a criminal justice problem and that drugs should be decriminalized.
Abstract
His views were shaped in part by his experience as a prosecutor for Federal and State governments. He argues that a system is needed in which addicts are treated rather than turned away from treatment, in which the distribution of drugs does not involve profit, and in which needle sharing and the spread of AIDS by intravenous drug users is reduced. He suggests a system in which drugs are regulated based on their potential for doing harm. His position has met with much criticism, but his political support remains strong. Baltimore also has initiated a pilot needle exchange program designed to reduce the spread of HIV infection among intravenous drug users.