Quote:
Originally Posted by tore
Does it really have to be written down?
Because whether or not it will have a negative effect on society does not fully depend on the effects of another drug. Marijuana can still have negative effects on society, regardless of whether or not alcohol is legal. Obviously when deciding yes or no to legalization, you should look at the effects the legalization will have, not how it compares to other drugs with other effects and whether or not they are allowed.
edit :
Also remember that negative effects of marijuana on society doesn't only mean what effect pot has on physical health of it's users. What about international relations? For Netherlands, drug tourism is a problem. What about supporting illegal narcotics industries? What about a potential increase in traffic accidents? What about children who neglect schoolwork because they'd rather smoke? There are tons of potential negative effects, some smaller and some larger. I think a lot of people should expand their thinking a bit on this subject.
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I have to admit I've been skimming this thread at best, but based on this post it sounds like you're missing half the equation here, Tore. What about the all the negative consequences of
illegality on society? For one thing, as the US experienced during the 1920s, prohibition can lead directly to an increase in organized crime. It also, in the case of marijuana, has lead to a whole bunch of people people being thrown in jail, something which causes huge unpleasant ripples throughout society: children growing up without parents, minor offenders being turned into hardcore criminals by their prison experience, the resources of the police and courts being squandered when they could be focusing their attention on violent crime, prison overcrowding, etc.