THIS PAPER FOCUSES ON BOTH THE MEDICAL ASPECTS AND THE CRIMINAL ASPECTS OF HEROIN ADDICTION. THE INTRODUCTION DISCUSSES THE LACK OF GOOD DATA ON HEROIN ADDICTION AND THE REFUSAL OF AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICALS TO RECOGNIZE THAT THERE ARE VALID MEDICAL USES OF HEROIN IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER AND BURN PATIENTS. THIS PORTION ARGUES FOR THE TRANSFER OF HEROIN FROM SCHEDULE 1 OF THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES LIST TO A SCHEDULE WHICH WOULD ALLOW USE BY DOCTORS UNDER STRICT SUPERVISION. THE SECOND PORTION OF THE PAPER DISCUSSES THE POTENTIAL OF A LEGAL DISTRIBUTION OF HEROIN TO ADDICTS UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION. THE BRITISH EXPERIENCE IS EXAMINED IN DETAIL TO ASCERTAIN POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS FOR SUCH A SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. IT IS FOUND THAT BECAUSE THE CURRENT U.S. METHADONE MAINTENANCE SYSTEM IS MUCH LIKE THE BRITISH HEROIN MAINTENENCE SYSTEM, NO NEW STRUCTURES OR CONTROLS WOULD BE NECESSARY. IT IS ALSO FOUND THAT THE BRITISH EXPERIENCE WITH HEROIN THEFT AND PILFERAGE IS SIMILAR TO THE U.S. EXPERIENCE WITH METHADONE CONTROL, AND IT IS ARGUED THAT LEGALIZED HEROIN WILL HAVE LITTLE SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT ON CRIME OVERALL. STUDIES ARE QUOTED WHICH INDICATE THAT DRUG ADDICTION IS OFTEN PART OF A CULTURAL PATTERN WHICH INCLUDES A CRIMINAL LIFESTYLE. THE MAJOR IMPACT IS LIKELY TO BE THE ABOLITION OF THE HEROIN BLACK MARKET, WHICH FLOURISHES IN THE U.S. IT IS POINTED OUT THAT THIS TYPE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IS NOT KNOWN IN BRITAIN. LEGALIZATION WILL PROBABLY NOT REDUCE HEROIN ADDICTION, BUT, IT IS ARGUED, IT WILL ALLOW FOR MORE EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF MOST ADDICTS. NUMEROUS STUDIES ARE CITED. REFERENCES ARE APPENDED. (GLR)