Because criminalizing intoxication is basically the same thing.
And just letting this go on is not the solution here. We need more of just about everything - recovery spaces built around different models, shelters, transitional housing and low income but safe and secure, out reach workers, early intervention in schools to stop letting kids fall through the cracks, better economy for indigenous communities who are grossly over represented in the population being discussed, aggressive policing of importers and dealers, employability programs, way more mental health treatment. The list is long, complicated and nothing will be quick or easy but not getting started means we never get there.
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