This is all very interesting, but a few issues should probably be chewed over before jumping in feet first. If it can be seen that these problems can be addressed either now or in the foreseeable future, then a political party dedicated to reform is a realistic possibility. But, and it's a big but, it needs to be remembered, that you're not only taking on the large prohibitionist favouring Australian public, medical professionals and LE etc... but also the broader and infinitely more powerful international prohibitionist lobby. There are also international treaties to deal with.
A thing that needs to be remembered is that getting drugs scheduled is relatively easy. Un-scheduling, or rescheduling the drugs into a lesser (non-illicit) category such as NZ's class D drugs is no mean feat, and would certainly be a daunting process, even if the ambassador or representative of such a party or group was among the best qualified to speak on relative harms, etc. At the very least, he/she would have to be highly respected among his/her peers, be charismatic, witty and punctual..... mmm...there's one who instantly springs to mind
Seriously though, can anyone think of
any illicit drug in Australia (barring cannabis perhaps) that has ever been de-scheduled to make production, trafficking, or possession carry less of a penalty? I'm not talking about diversion courts, which in most states only work for possession of small amounts, and aren't always an option for repeat offenders.
A couple of years ago Stargate International trialled their
Ease party pill in NZ. While the drug received good feedback from users, and no fatalities occurred during this trial period, it only took until someone identified the active ingredient as Methylone for the trouble to start. Those opposing Ease (or party pills per se) highlighted the reported effects in published literature, but their main point in the argument was that Methylone had already been banned in many western countries, and was a controlled analogue by definition in most countries that employed analogue legislation. That was the end of that....
Also, when we look at piperazines in NZ, we can say a great many things contributed towards their scheduling, but it seemed a timely coincidence that the final decision to ban the products was announced at the same time a United Nations meeting was being held in Christchurch. The UN had definitely focused on NZ, and along with other nations that had already scheduled the products pushed hard for piperazines to be banned there.
So, we see problems arising from all manner of places. I guess the first step towards creating such a party is formulate a policy, within which party aims and objectives are clearly defined. Most of the previous reform parties for cannabis just never got this part together properly IMO, and I might add, their job was much easier back then because most people accepted cannabis was pretty much harmless.
Another potential problem is that most would-be politicians or members of such a party will have different ideas about what those aims and objectives should be. Some might want to only see MDMA use decriminalised, while others might be of the view that all drugs need to be openly legalised. So, dissent among the ranks could occur before anything is consolidated. That might be not be that different for any new political party, but I believe formulating such a plan and policy for drug reform would have many added hurdles.
Still, if the right people are prepared to do the miles, and a policy was developed that wasn't too radical or scary, it could be possible that a greater portion of the public might emphasize with and eventually support the cause. Be fully aware though, any such support would be hard earned. Every person associated with such a party would be thoroughly stripped bare, by both the powers that be, and those radical prohibitionists who would leave no stone unturned. It might be fine and well to say "I used to do drugs" but to say you're still doing them - breaking laws - may undermine more than just the individual's status within such a party.
It's also vitally important to adhere to laws regarding censorship and be well aware of what you can say publicly or advise in regards to drugs. We are governed in Aus by laws which limit the way someone can publicly exercise their right of speech in regards to drug use and you certainly can't even look like you're advocating that people should continue to break the law until reform is achieved - we all know where that is seen to lead. From what I remember, you can't openly recommend, suggest, or even condone drug taking publicly in this country without risk of being charged. Make pamphlets that in anyway indicate that present government policy is wrong and that drugs are actually less harmful for you than authorities say, and you could further violate these laws. I could be wrong here, so perhaps fortehlulz, Biscuit or the likes can correct or expand on this.
I would say a good first step in forming a party would be to speak with some of those who have championed the harm reduction cause, particularly Johnboy. He has had a great deal of experience in very similar areas, and he doesn't come from either a medical or political background, yet in a way, he's made a first big step, a step that can be a starting point for a reform party or movement. Having spoken at conferences, debated politicians on air and having coped with the unfair backlash that inevitably occurs when you go against the grain with such an emotional subject, he'd certainly be worth listening to. There are quite a few others who would also be worthy should they wish to contribute or assist, and from where such a party would be coming from, anyone who's worked for the cause in recent years would undoubtedly be able to offer some good advice.
If funding ever became available, perhaps a conference could be setup somewhere, where initial ideas and suggestions could be tabled and from which a policy could eventually emerge.
Great idea, but know what y'all are in for
![:\](https://bluelight.org/xf/BL_Images/Orig_Emoji/wrygrin.gif "wry grin :\")
