Do you believe a person has the right to acquire and consume whatever drug they want to as long as it does not lead to criminal behavior? Or do you believe we should treat citizens like children who can't be trusted to make their own decisions? Because this is a completely separate issue from overprescription of opiates.

Let me say upfront: I'm pro-legalization of recreational drugs. Even the ones I wouldn't personally do. I truly believe that with access - especially to things like pot and hash - will seriously help with opiate abuse.

And honestly, the correct answer (in my opinion) is that one should do both. As much as I'd like to believe better in society, the truth is that not everyone thinks things through. Not everyone gains information before they do stuff.

Some drugs should have restrictions. Age limits are prudent, for example. I don't trust folks to take most prescription drugs correctly. Antibiotics and most treatment-only drugs are like this.

I'd rather folks do opium than heroin or opiate pills. If there is still a market for them after legalisation, I'd rather the opiate pills that are available to the public be the mild variety. Push folks to do occasional cocaine rather than crack. Avoid meth if possible, mostly because it is hard on folks. Heroin or anything else that one injects are only available at a clinic, where you have to consume there.

And above all, drug addiction treated like a medical condition... and free of charge.

I'm certainly opposed to prohibition, but we're at the other extreme when we're using tax dollars to get people hooked on drugs pushed by large, profitable corporations.

It's an incredibly difficult problem to solve. Ultimate freedom for the responsible citizen, without allowing the general population to be brainwashed into unhealthy consumption habits.