America's War on Drugs

[Jackalope]

I think a lot of people hear something and accept it as the truth without looking into it. Ignorance is one of the biggest problems in the US right now.

Yes, I believe you are correct.

There seems to be a common perception that advocates for legalization are just a bunch of weed heads that want to get high legally. It's nice to see someone advocating for legalization who's doing so because it's good policy.

Even here, where we have legal medicinal MJ, and where use and simple possession of small amounts is tolerated (even if technically illegal), it's still a joke. I use MJ medicinally (I don't really enjoy the high any more), but as none of my conditions are on the state-approved list, I can't get a card and am legally in the same category as recreational users.

We have far too many people in prison for mala prohibita crimes, and while drug abuse is a legitimate public concern, it ought to be handled as a public health and education issue, not a law enforcement concern.

Of course, mala in se crimes committed by drug (ab)users ought to remain under the purview of the justice system. It's my view that the aspects of drug (ab)use that cause actual harm to others in society can be covered by sufficiently law without prohibition and the associated damage to liberty.

Alcohol prohibition was such a complete disaster in the US that you'd think we would have learned.

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How nice, really. Grand-uncle and nephew smoke such things together. I'm sure it's a sign of how well your nation developes, eh?
I see this as a sign of depravity and destruction of family virtues. Family members are not ashamed of eachother anymore. Soon, the people on the streets will not be ashamed of eachother anymore, and the streets will turn into a pile of every depraved vice and lawlessness.
Way to go in destroying your society, friend.

Yeah, because I'm sure that no one in your culture partakes in intoxicants as a family. Ever enjoy a little Raki with the family, or know people who do? Or some of your local wines? Do you judge yourself (if you drink) or them so harshly?

As I recall, while illegal, frowned upon by both Islam and secular authorities, and perhaps not currently in vogue, use of hashish has been part of Turkish and middle eastern culture for millennia.

Perhaps you think marijuana and alcohol are somehow different? That catching a buzz from a fermented or distilled beverage is somehow morally superior than from smoking or otherwise ingesting a naturally growing herb?

In my experience, they are different only in that alcohol abuse is a much greater social ill than marijuana abuse.