While parts of the U.S. are gradually moving toward weed legalization, in Norway it may soon be legal to smoke heroin. On Friday, the Norwegian government announced that it would consider decriminalizing heroin inhalation — though injection and other forms of use would still be banned.
Heroin is the most commonly injected drug in Norway, as well as the leading cause of fatal overdoses. According to a 2010 study, 90% of Norwegian heroin users injected the drug. By legalizing only the inhalation of heroin, officials hope to reduce the number of injection-related deaths.
“The means by which addicts take their drugs is important in preventing overdose,” Health Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said. “My opinion is that we should allow them to smoke heroin. Injecting it is worse and more dangerous.”
Say, that’s actually pretty logical. Norway is also known for its excellent public health care and free college education, and generally ranks at the top of the OECD Quality of Life Index. Just sayin’. Go Norway?
(Photo: Flickr)
