There are five basic models for regulating drug supply. We describe them below, starting with the most restrictive and moving to the most open. Variants on these models already exist and function across the world, supporting the entirely legal distribution of a range of medical, quasi-medical and non-medical psychoactive drugs.
Of course, the precise nature of the respective regulatory frameworks and enforcement infrastructure varies from country to country.
There is also some degree of boundary blurring between these models. This leads to a certain amount of generalisation, but also helps emphasise that such models will inevitably operate differently in different locations.
We have also made some basic suggestions as to how to adapt these basic models to cater for the challenges of non-medical drug supply in the future.
This is a superb breakdown of various models for regulating drugs. In my opinion, it’s a must-read for any psychonaut searching for the most effective ways to reform drug policies.