Editor's Notes

Most of us believe we have no knowledge of the illicit drug world. We don't take illegal drugs, much less buy them. The money we earn does not come from the illicit drug trade, and we are not exposed to the violence associated with the enforcement of unpaid drug debts. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, the only addicts many of us know are alcoholics.

A recent Fraser Institute conference: “Sensible Solutions to the Urban Drug Problem,” changed that perception for many of us. The conference examined the fight against illicit drugs from not just an economic, but a social perspective. We came to realize that those dependent on illicit drugs are often very sick people with serious health problems.

The conference emphasized the need for a new approach to dealing with illicit drugs. The law enforcement programs that have been in place for the past 25 years have not worked. Fortunately, the participants had alternative strategies to suggest. This issue of Forum contains a synopsis of three of the papers presented. Their ideas are provocative, and I trust will give you a new way to look at this devastating problem.

—Kristin McCahon

info@fraserinstitute.ca You can contact us at the above email address for any comments or information requests. Please report any dead links or technical problems.

If you know someone who would be interested in this web page, please enter their email address below, and we will forward this URL to them: Email Address:

Last Modified: Wednesday, October 20, 1999.