Releasing December 7, Breaking the Taboo is a documentary made by Sir Richard Branson’s son Sam which sets out the case for decriminalising drugs. Some big names are backing the venture, including Morgan Freeman and Kate Winslet.

It’s now probably also safe to say that Prince Harry did indulge in some puff-puff pass action when he and some friends visited Sam on Necker Island before the infamous Vegas vacation, because it’s no secret that the Prince enjoys the odd smoke. Well at least it isn’t in Cape Town.

The film will encourage debate around the current approach to drugs – which says its argument has failed – and it will highlight countries where decriminalisation has been successful.

However, Kate Winslet has created controversy for herself by appearing in a short YouTube clip alongside Sir Richard promoting the documentary:

Sources close to Winslet say she isn’t encouraging drug use, but adding her support to the aforementioned argument about decriminalisation.

Although Winslet, who lives with Sir Richard’s nephew Ned Rocknroll, does not appear in the documentary, her name and picture have since been removed from the film’s website. Citing a source:

There was a mistake, she shouldn’t have been on there. We’ve had her taken off. She doesn’t support all the things on that list, she supports the film. Kate got involved with the film because of her relationship with Sir Richard’s nephew, Ned. Kate does not, and never has, used drugs. Her support for the film is because she supports the film’s attempt to open the debate on alternative and more effective ways to end the misery that the drug trade causes.

Other supporters include Yoko Ono (obviously), Jimmy Carter, and Sting.

Says the film’s blurb:

The War on Drugs has failed. After 50 years of prohibition, illicit drugs are now the third most valuable industry in the world after food and oil, all in the control of criminals. Drugs are cheaper and more available than ever before. Millions of people are in prison for drugs offences. Corruption and violence, especially in producer and transit countries, endangers democracy. Tens of thousands of people die each year in drug wars.

Improving our drug policies is one of the key policy challenges of our time. The time for action is now.

[Source: DailyMail]