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NEWS: Andrew Cole Smoking licences and cutting salt in food would reduce health inequalities BMJ 2007; 335: 1177-c [Full text]

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Licensed to smoke: A few questions

Peter O'Loughlin   (7 December 2007)

hear hear

Jim Howe   (19 January 2008)

Licensed to smoke: A few questions 7 December 2007
Peter O'Loughlin, Principal BR3 3AT Send response to journal: Re: Licensed to smoke: A few questions	Would Professor Le Grande advocate the complex procedures he suggests, for obtaining a license to smoke, (BJM 8 December) which despite the restrictions on use, is a legal drug, be applied to users of illicit drugs when they visit the increasing number of Drug Consumption Rooms in our towns and cities? Given that what has been described by pro drug legalisers as a 'warm and welcoming environment', for the consumption of illicit drugs,including the smoking of cannabis, does the Professor agree that those who exercise their legal right to smoke, but in order to do so have no option but to either remain at home, or expose themselves to the elements, are being discriminated against? Does the Professor agree that if the unrelenting forces that have done all but outlaw smoking, been applied with equal enthusiam to the consumption of illegal drugs and alcohol, our nation would not only be mentally and physically healthier, but safer? Competing interests: Alcohol and drug recovery counsellor
hear hear 19 January 2008
Jim Howe, part time neurologist Calvary Health Care, Melbourne, 3206 Send response to journal: Re: hear hear	Yes Peter it would be a good idea to have the same proceedure for alcohol and those drugs which are now illegal. It will also increase employment in the civil service dealing with the new systems. As to having 'warm and welcoming' drug rooms, surely not, but even if they are, can't health care and advice be offered along with safety and clean needles? Competing interests: None declared