Drugs policy approach needs to change, Polanski says

"I grew up in school where a lot of my friends were drinking and in fact taking drugs and it felt like somebody needed to be sober. I've always liked dancing without taking drink or drugs. If anyone wants to do it and doing it safely fine, I'm glad people are having a good time. But we know lots of people aren't doing it safely so let's make sure they get the support they need."

"I think the danger is happening right now which is where we're pushing it into street corners and a black market."

"They're saying very clearly with one voice we need a national conversation about how the war on drugs is not working. In fact it's making drugs more dangerous and actually what we need is a grown-up conversation based in evidence, taking a public health approach that looks at prevention, interventi"

Zack Polanski calls for a system change on drugs policy and supports legalisation combined with a public health approach. He advocates medical support for people with problematic relationships with drugs and stresses prevention and evidence-based interventions. Polanski says current prohibition pushes drug use into street corners and the black market, increasing danger. He notes families affected by drug deaths demand a national conversation and says the war on drugs is not working. Polanski states he has never taken drugs or drunk alcohol and prefers sobriety while supporting safe practice and help for those at risk.

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