Baltimore: How one of America’s deadliest cities ended the war on drugs – with help from The Wire – Telegraph.co.uk

Explaining the plan he said: There has never been a paper bag for drugs. Until now.

That plot line is now a reality. Baltimore is turning a blind eye to the consumption of marijuana, cocaine and heroin, despite the laws around drug use still standing.

As other states move to legalise recreational marijuana - which is still technically illegal in Maryland - America is watching the effects of not prosecuting the possession of other drugs.

The move has been welcomed by organisations fighting for change.

Daphne Alston founded M.O.M.S - mothers of murdered sons and daughters - a community group which supports the families of children who have been killed, and campaigns for safer neighbourhoods.

Her 22-year-old son Tariq was shot dead at a party 12 years ago. No-one has ever been charged.

That the group works with around 2,000 women shows the extent of the problem and why the city is desperate for new initiatives.

This is a change for the better, the 61-year-old told the Telegraph.

The number of people in prison for dumb stuff is unbelievable. And look at the effect it has.

A kid might not see their father for two years and by then, they have no-one to look up to and are taken in by the money and fast life of crime.

Across town, at Turning Points Clinic - Americas largest methadone dispensary run by a church group - Lisa McIntyre explains how she was shooting heroin nine times a day until she walked in on her boyfriend after an overdose, his friend lying dead next to him.

In the two years since, she hasnt taken heroin, but says the 90g of methadone she has each day keeps her clean.

Now 50, and bearing the scars of years of self-harm, Ms McIntyre (below) doesnt believe that sweeping the problems under the carpet is the way forward.

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Baltimore: How one of America's deadliest cities ended the war on drugs - with help from The Wire - Telegraph.co.uk