Illegal drug use happens in our society, and in others around the country and the world, that is a fact.

It is also a fact that young people and other illicit drug users are dying because of their use of illicit substances, at music festivals, events or at home.

Managing that risk is something every individual should be mindful of, but it's something that is becoming increasingly the responsibility of levels of government - from the drug rehabilitation services they provide, to health and hospital programs.

Pill testing is one of those controversial things - on the one hand you have the pro-pill testing group who believe managing risk is about making sure people who are taking these drugs have all the information they need to make an informed choice.

Then there are the people who are anti-pill testing, who believe harm minimisation comes from blanket bans and prevention strategies.

Those who are vocal anti-pill testing in Tasmania include the state government. This week Rural Health Tasmania's Rob Waterman also took a stand claiming pill testing normalised drug use.

Organisers at Party in the Paddock, one of Tasmania's most popular summer events, has been vocal in its support of pill testing and has ramped up its support with a petition to table in state parliament.

Pill testing is not a silver bullet and it might not stop people from using illicit drugs, but advocates for the action say it will provide an informed choice for those who are considering illicit substance abuse.

Whatever side of the pill testing fence you fall on, it's obvious that this is an issue that many people are engaged in (either for or against it). That in itself shows it's an issue worth exploring with open and meaningful debate, rather than a complete shut down of all the options.

Because young people are already taking the risk and at present it's not being managed. Surely any action or discussion on this is better than inaction.