Safe Consumption: Not a Radical Idea, But a Necessary Step Toward Regulation

The concept of safe consumption sites, where individuals can use drugs in a controlled, supervised environment, is often met with skepticism and political resistance. However, the truth is that this idea isn’t as radical as it may seem. In fact, it’s rooted in principles that are already deeply ingrained in the fabric of our society—regulation and safety. From the shops we visit to the food we eat and the alcohol we drink, regulation is already a cornerstone of daily life. Safe consumption should be no different.

The Power of Regulation

Every day, people use goods and services that are governed by strict regulations designed to protect consumers and maintain public safety. We have rules about the legal age for purchasing alcohol, the hours shops are allowed to operate, and the products that can be sold. We even regulate the provenance of the food we consume, ensuring it’s safe, tested, and traceable.

Take alcohol, for example. It’s a legal substance that comes with an age limit, opening hours, and health warnings. It’s taxed and heavily regulated, with businesses that sell it following clear guidelines. The same principles of regulation can—and should—be applied to other substances, including those currently deemed illegal. The idea of creating safe spaces where individuals can consume drugs under supervision, with regulated dosages and clean supplies, is nothing more than an extension of these existing practices.

The Double Standard

It’s a glaring double standard: alcohol, a substance that is widely consumed and often abused, is heavily regulated and socially accepted, while other substances, which may have a far lower risk when used responsibly, are criminalized and pushed to the margins of society. This hypocrisy is not only damaging but dangerous. We know that prohibition breeds a black market, encourages organized crime, and exacerbates the very problems that enforcement is supposed to solve.

Take Glasgow, for example. The city is home to countless pubs—regulated spaces where people can safely consume alcohol. Yet, we continue to criminalize drug users, even though safe consumption sites, properly regulated, could reduce harm, prevent overdoses, and offer a chance for recovery. These sites are not about encouraging drug use but about protecting those who are already suffering. They’re about providing a regulated environment where people can get clean supplies, safe consumption spaces, and access to healthcare and rehabilitation services.

A System That Heals, Not Hurts

We have built our society on regulation, from the moment we set the legal age for drinking to the food and medicines we consume. It’s time we apply those same principles to the most vulnerable members of society, who are suffering from addiction. Safe consumption is not some new, radical idea. It’s a simple extension of the rules we already live by. It’s about creating a system that prioritizes care, compassion, and harm reduction over criminalization and neglect.

By regulating drug consumption, we can reduce the dangers of contamination, overdose, and crime. We can offer rehabilitation, support, and a chance for recovery. If we can regulate alcohol and tobacco with success, why not extend the same approach to drugs? It’s not about making drugs “safe”; it’s about saving lives and creating a fairer, more just society for all.

Conclusion: A Step Forward

Safe consumption sites are not a radical departure from existing practices—they are a logical, humane step forward. They are a chance to regulate, educate, and protect people from harm. It’s time to stop turning a blind eye and start facing the truth: regulation works. The same principles that govern alcohol, tobacco, and countless other products can be used to protect people suffering from addiction. It’s time to make safe consumption a reality, not just for the privileged, but for everyone. It's time for change.