We live in a lonely, isolated time. People are lost, scared, confused and alienated. Mental health statistics continue to shock. Whether due to increased awareness and diagnosis, or a true increase in minds afflicted by what Churchill named 'the Black Dog', the statistics show that we live in a time of unprecedented mental distress. This epidemic has, no doubt, been exacerbated in turn by the truly horrific pandemic which we all experienced. It is because of this unfortunate and sad fact that I write to you, to say thank you. It is my understanding that you approved the rescheduling of psilocybin and other psychedelic compounds in May - paving the way for invaluable and life-saving (as well as life-enhancing) research. As I am sure you are aware, these substances show unrivalled potential in the treatment of a multitude of ailments, both of the mind and body. The fact that this research has been effectively halted for the past half-century is a tragedy, but, thanks to your open-mindedness, we may finally be able to begin the process of healing once again, both individually and collectively. I can truly say with the utmost confidence that a rescheduling of these extremely safe and useful compounds may serve as your most important legacy as Prime Minister: Boris Johnson, the man who reversed decades of evidence-shunning, moralising and nonsensical drug policy to create a more harmonious and connected society. Is this what you meant by 'levelling-up'? It is in light of these facts that I am writing to ask you to take the next step in this journey. Despite the incredible potential shown by psychedelic compounds in treating illness, other drugs are not always so positive. Highly addictive substances such as heroin and cocaine continue to devastate individuals, families, and communities. However, the solution to this problem is not to be 'tougher on drugs' - this merely places addicted individuals (who are almost certainly vulnerable, and in need of loving support) into a violent and cyclical system, from which there is very little hope of escape. One needs to look no further than our neighbour Portugal to see that there is a better way. A path which treats the most vulnerable in our society not as criminals, but as human beings deserving of respect, by shifting the perspective of drug harms from one of criminality to one of a public health issue. I ask you not to necessarily follow directly in the footsteps of Portugal in their exact policy measures. However, I urge you to please take stock of the evidence presented by the government's own Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, and act accordingly. I am sure that we are in agreement that all avoidable harm and death cast deep scars upon our society - staining our very nature and perpetuating cycles of suffering. Finally, I would like to thank you once again for taking the first step into making our society more just, peaceful, and beautiful. For being brave, and not succumbing to the ever-present rhetoric of "drugs are bad and should be illegal". For understanding that the interrelated public health crises we face, both in mental health and in drug abuse, do have solutions which are in reach. I am inspired by your courage in the face of an antiquated worldview, and your willingness to do things differently. These public health crises should not be viewed as a party-political issue: they must be treated with the utmost urgency, across party lines and political viewpoints. I trust that you are able to incite such change. In solidarity and hope, Luke Carter