Pope Francis Against Legalizing Drugs

While Pope Francis is seen as one of the most liberal heads of the Vatican in recent decades, the 77-year old underlined his opposition to legalizing recreational drugs by stating that such a step will not solve the problem of addiction. "Attempts, however limited, to legalise so-called 'recreational drugs', are not only highly questionable from a legislative standpoint, but they fail to produce the desired effects," Francis told delegates at a drug enforcement conference in Rome.

The pope, who met with drug users on several occasions during his time as archbishop of Buenos Aires, said it was wrong that addicts were still allowed access to drugs.

"Let me state this in the clearest terms possible: the problem of drug use is not solved with drugs," Francis said.

The pontiff was speaking a month after Uruguay legalised the production, distribution and sale of cannabis, allowing individuals to grow their own small stash and establishing consumer clubs.

In the United States, Colorado and Washington state have legalised pot for recreational use, while 21 states plus Washington DC allow marijuana to be prescribed for medical use.

Source-AFP