Posting this as it is interesting and it mentions caffeine (as a psychoactive substance)
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/drug-policy-stalls-in-lawandorder-gear-20101129-18dkq.html
Two internationally renowned drug law reform advocates, Ethan Nadelmann and Alex Wodak, pitched a public case at the National Press Club last week for the liberalisation of Australias drug laws.
<snip>
Nadelmann and Wodak argue that the war on drugs has failed, and that we need leadership in Australia to promote a drug policy approach based on science, health and human rights rather than criminalisation.
<snip>
(The writer of the article) can see two major barriers in Australia to the drug law reform initiatives Nadelmann and Wodak argue for.
One is the paradox in this country of community disapproval of drugs despite widespread use. To illustrate this, take the following test.
First, make a list of all the drugs and other psychoactive substances you have ever used, including legal "drugs" such as alcohol, tobacco and prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Also list any illegal drugs such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine or ecstasy.
You should also count other "psychoactive substances" such as caffeine (from coffee to energy drinks and bars) and any herbal preparations that affect your mood, be it calming or energising.
Second, ask yourself, do you support reduced penalties for the sale or supply of illicit drugs? Do you approve of the regular use of alcohol and other drugs by adults?
I believe most of you will have listed somewhere between five to 10 drugs and psychoactive substances, and answered "no" to the above questions.
Australias use of alcohol, drugs, and other psychoactive substances is among the highest globally.
<etc>
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/drug-policy-stalls-in-lawandorder-gear-20101129-18dkq.html
Two internationally renowned drug law reform advocates, Ethan Nadelmann and Alex Wodak, pitched a public case at the National Press Club last week for the liberalisation of Australias drug laws.
<snip>
Nadelmann and Wodak argue that the war on drugs has failed, and that we need leadership in Australia to promote a drug policy approach based on science, health and human rights rather than criminalisation.
<snip>
(The writer of the article) can see two major barriers in Australia to the drug law reform initiatives Nadelmann and Wodak argue for.
One is the paradox in this country of community disapproval of drugs despite widespread use. To illustrate this, take the following test.
First, make a list of all the drugs and other psychoactive substances you have ever used, including legal "drugs" such as alcohol, tobacco and prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Also list any illegal drugs such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine or ecstasy.
You should also count other "psychoactive substances" such as caffeine (from coffee to energy drinks and bars) and any herbal preparations that affect your mood, be it calming or energising.
Second, ask yourself, do you support reduced penalties for the sale or supply of illicit drugs? Do you approve of the regular use of alcohol and other drugs by adults?
I believe most of you will have listed somewhere between five to 10 drugs and psychoactive substances, and answered "no" to the above questions.
Australias use of alcohol, drugs, and other psychoactive substances is among the highest globally.
<etc>

Comment