It would also adversly affect the medical field in a huge way, which is more dependant on opium than illegal drug users. Imagine going into the emergency room with severe pain and having the hospital tell you that they cannot give you pain medication (which are all mostly opiate type drugs) because they are rationing the drugs for only the most serious injuries and surgeries.

Wherever there is opium there is war, just follow the opium trade of the last 100 years and you will see how it works; Korea, Vietnam, Afganistan ... between Korea and Vietnam, France dabbled in the trade for a few years, which makes sense because France is heavily invested in phamacueticals.

Developed countries dont want opium fields on their land and choose to purchase it from other less developed nations, because it can be the starting point for military insugency and often funds upcoming political parties, so it really is an issue of "national interest". The CIA is heavily involved in the international drug trade, because they can "regulate" its sale and distribution using military force in foriegn nations.

It is true that opium is used in the pharmaceuticals trade, however there are other drugs available that are not opium based to relieve pain. Opium is controlled by the war lords in Afghanistan and it is far more lucrative to use it for arms than receive money from the west. These crops need to be destroyed as they are destroying live throughout the Western world

I can%u2019t agree that the developed nations cannot grow opium for medical purpose. It would be far more controlled and regulated together with security than allowing others to grow it for ill use.

As for the CIA, like all secret type services people use them for other reasons than in the interest of the nations and its people. I never trust CIA MI5 MI6 mossad etc

very very well said friend, great post and i bet the powers that be won't give a damn.
take care
regards fraglerock

When the Taliban ran the country they destroyed the trade.

The present state of affairs in the poppy fields illustrates the United States way: Eliminate competition.