An alternative to the war on drugs in the British Medical Journal

Although this is by a major activist, Stephen Rolles of Transform, rather than an "unbiased" expert, the venue is a significant one, and the argument for regulation is now obviously a mature one. Here are five models for regulating drug activity from the article:

Medical prescription model or supervised venues -- For highest risk drugs (injected drugs including heroin and more potent stimulants such as methamphetamine) and problematic users

Specialist pharmacist retail model -- combined with named/licensed user access and rationing of volume of sales for moderate risk drugs such as amphetamine, powder cocaine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy)

Licensed retailing -- including tiers of regulation appropriate to product risk and local needs. Used for lower risk drugs and preparations such as lower strength stimulant based drinks

Licensed premises for sale and consumption -- similar to licensed alcohol venues and Dutch cannabis "coffee shops," potentially also for smoking opium or poppy tea

Unlicensed sales -- minimal regulation for the least risky products, such as caffeine drinks and coca tea.