GMP Guidelines And The Issue Of Legalising Recreational Drugs

For many years the argument over the legalisation of recreational drugs has raged. Supporters of the move argue that it will free up much of the police's time, enabling them to tackle crime in other areas. Those that argue against suggest that by removing the boundaries of law we are encouraging society and especially the youth to abuse their bodies. However, one area that is often overlooked is that of GMP guidelines and the influence they could have if recreational drugs are ever legalised.
Explaining the legalities
GMP guidelines are laws that are put in place to ensure the quality of manufacture and testing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The purpose of these guidelines is to protect the safety of the general public by making sure that the products being manufactured are fit for purpose, and in the case of pharmaceuticals, contain the ingredients claimed.
Risk to users
The biggest danger that recreational drug users face often comes not in the shape of the drug they are taking, or believe they are taking, but what that drug has been cut with. Producers of illegal drugs often care little for the people that will end up buying their drugs and will cut them with other ingredients that are much less expensive in order maximise their profit.
Some of the most common agents that drugs such as MDMA and cocaine are cut with are caffeine, corn starch, creatine, talcum powder, lactose and vitamin B. None of these are harmful to the user, however more damaging substances are sometimes used. However, there are many cases where the producer of the drug will add an agent that is dangerous.
Making things safer
If recreational drugs were to be legalised then the regulation of such products would fall under the protection of GMP guidelines. This would of course mean that the purity of the drug would be guaranteed, which would remove the chance of users ingesting rogue ingredients. So to some extent the world of recreational drugs would be safer and there is an argument that more lives would be saved. However, the argument against says that the legalisation of recreational drugs would see a huge increase in the numbers partaking in their usage. This in theory could have a serious impact on society; with lives lost due to addiction and many unable to work. The issue of legalising recreational drugs is complex and a completely different discussion.

GMP guidelines are set in place to protect the general public from defective products. If you need to ensure that your staff are properly trained to meet all GMP guidelines then visit NSF-DBA for expert advice and assistance.