Decriminalization will help

Re. Drug decriminalization here (Castanet, Jan. 30)

I want to preface this by saying I work in addictions and detox.

I think people need a little education as to why small amounts (2.5g) of illicit drugs were recently decriminalized. It is not to help people to get off drugs, rather it is to lessen the strain on the jail system and (ensure) people who have drugs on their person do not end up in the overwhelmed prison system.

I work with a lot of people who have a criminal record due to possessing small amounts of drugs and they face an uphill battle after detox and treatment due to their criminal records.

This is going to help people. It's going to help them find gainful employment after treatment without the stigma of a criminal conviction.

What is not going to help is spreading misinformation.

Christine Pegg