It is the case that the direction of this discussion paper follows the same path that has been trod many times before but with no appreciable difference to the state of drug control.
Past results have not been spectacular
Based on past experience, even though it may seem to make prosecutions easier and more uniform, it will probably make little difference in the long term. The possible prosecution or the strength of the penalties, according to many criminologists, has not been a deterrent to crime. Other factors are usually at play but the discussion paper is narrow and it does not explore a wider range of options.
