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Having been to Amsterdam, it was my understanding that drugs aren't LEGAL there. They are just decriminalized. England just made moves in the same direction. Remember the Pulp Fiction speech... It's still illegal to walk down the street with but they can't search you.
That's what I'm essentially in favor of, decriminalizing, or essentially looking the other way when it comes to less than an ounce of marijuana. In Holland, less 14 year olds have experimented with pot than here in America. If it weren't illegal and the mystique behind it were removed I believe rates of use would actually go down. Marijuana is carcinogenic and has been proven in some studies to be addictive but I don't believe it's any worse than cigarrettes or alcohol.
Additionally, marijuana has been proven to aid digestion for cancer patients and treat glaucoma. States like Colorado and California have approved it for medical use BUT people can still get arrested selling and distributing to those with prescriptions. This is yet another reason to move towards decriminalization.
I don't think other drugs should be legalized simply because you can't make the same sort of risk/benefit argument. Is anyone's lilfe going to be HELPED by the use of cocaine or heroin? If you could come up with any benefits wouldn't they be far outweighed by their potential damage? Certain drugs were outlawed because they are poisonous to your body.
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