Kitchen knives have a legitimate purpose. That purpose is worth the risk associated with people harming themselves with them. The parallel doesn't work I'm afraid. Unless you want to say that illegal lethal drugs have a legitimate purpose. Close. A person who knowingly participates in a crime, even indirectly, is as guilty of the CRIME as the actual perpetrator. And in cases where they are DIRECTLY participating, obviously they have equal involvement in the harm to the victim as anyone else who is involved. Red conflicts with blue, even more than the political parties which correspond to the two colours! Anyway, again, I'm sure that you're not making the argument that just because tobacco and alcohol are legal, this means that all illegal drugs should be legal too. No, but it wouldn't have as bad an effect on society. I'm NOT saying: "that alcohol is not highly dangerous, is not potentially lethal, or does not destroy lives and communities." It IS highly dangerous and potentially lethal and it DOES destroy lives and communities. No, I made the argument that weed can't KILL you. And realistically it cannot. You mentioned "opiate based drugs." That applies to medication! Cheaper? They can't undercut the legitimate businesses? Then how on earth can you say that abortion had the 'forbidden fruit' status? Seriously? We're talking about drug addicts here! They will smoke what they have and not in moderation! Drugs addicts don't tend to DO moderation! I make a distinction between drugs which are manufactured for a legitimate purpose and drugs which are not. Don't you?
Even with his work, this doesn't mean that he is some sort of authority on drug policy and is able to predict what would happen if all drugs became legal. I agree. Only drug manufacturing and dealing should be illegal.
I used the example for his point of view. Currently, the authorities on drug policy have created a disaster. Laws against manufacturing and dealing leave us with the same problems we have now.
What does this have to do with why you only mentioned USE but not manufacturing and sales for ALL drugs?
I just find it rather interesting that you referred to GLUE use as opposed to something substantially more serious such as meth.
You are far from correct. While I did use a few examples, my position encompasses all drugs. Your argument fell apart and now you are once again resorting to diversions. In spite of drug laws, meth use/overdoses/deaths are at epidemic levels. Since it is illegal to manufacture, meth labs have to be set up in residential neighborhoods. Those that don't explode still end up dumping toxic waste where children play. It just shows that good intentions combined with laws and prisons can actually makes things worse.
It is legal and is currently manufactured by pharm companies. Like most drugs, they are legal with a prescription, but not for recreational use.
Okay, so you're assuming that there would be pharma companies who will be just DYING to produce recreational LETHAL meth which has the potential to OBLITERATE lives and communities. That's one hell of an assumption!
100% of pharm products are lethal. It does not appear you know enough about the topic to have a discussion.
Did you forget my position already? The harm caused by the war on drugs far outweighs any benefits to society.
Please don't take offense, but it appears you are not well informed on this issue. If you should choose to educate yourself, research the damage to society caused by drug lords, cartels, and gangs. I can at least respect an informed opinion even if I disagree.