Archive for 'April, 2010'

I'm really not sure why we continue to allow people to use tobacco. We've established it's a dangerous, addictive substance, yet we continue to permit its sale. Something just ain't right.

Is it a voting concern? Are they worried there are still enough Smokers to influence the outcome of an election?

Or is it a revenue concern? Losing the taxation revenue generated from tobacco sales would certainly have an impact on consolidated revenue at both a State and Federal level.

So here's my idea.

Starting today, all tobacco products are treat as Pharmacy-Only Medicines.  

If you want to smoke, you need to get it over the counter at your local Chemist.  This will instantly reduce its availability to young people.

Starting January 1, 2015 – Tobacco products become prescription-only.

Existing addicts can get their fix and can continue to smoke (if they choose) until they eventually pass away (hopefully from natural causes). No scripts will be issued for anyone under 18 and that age rolls forward each year so that we eventually reach a point where no new smokers can exist unless they're growing it themselves.

This method allows those who want to keep smoking to do so, maintains a diminishing revenue for the Government and limits the opportunity for anyone to start a new habit. It also reduces the ability for organised crime to get involved as Addicts will get their fix far cheaper by using official channels.

This could also work for most of the other drug addictions we have in society.

Interested in your thoughts.