"In a report published earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) made a clear call for broad drug policy reforms, including decriminalization of drug use, harm reduction practices such as syringe exchange and opioid substitution therapy, and a ban on compulsory treatment for people who use drugs."

When the world decided that a war on drugs was necessary, little was really known about addiction.  Family history of addiction implies a genetic pre-disposition.  Most recent studies are clear:  "Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences."

Please read this twice, and let it sink in that the addicted use despite harmful consequences.

So, we can continue to punish the addicted all we like, excommunicate from family, job, and community all we like.

This solves nothing.

We know in Canada what needs to be done.  We lack the societal and political will-decriminalize.