I’m in support of all drug’s being legalised. I think it’s worth saying, I’m not a ‘drug’ user, so don't I have experience of the benefits or costs of using/addiction. I am looking at this from a completely practical perspective. I am however happy for someone to educate me as to why this would be a really bad idea…
When I consider (what I believe to be) the positives and negatives of legalising drugs, I’ve ended up with 'I must be missing something...'
Imagine I world where all drugs are regulated, made by pharmaceutical companies sold in pharmaceutical stores..
State regulation
This will protect drug users from quality and strength related issue’s. Having a consistent safe product is a clear positive of Pharmaceutical Style regulation.
State Taxes
In 2013 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated the Global Drug trade to be worth $320bn. The cost base on this revenue would be minimal, meaning taxation could raise significant funds to be invested into deprived communities.
Price Controls
Regulation could keep the costs at a more reasonable price point to reduce the burden on some Drug takers to committee crimes to purchase drugs.
Safer Sale Point
Drug takers could purchase the drugs in a safe and controlled environment.
Drug related crime should be banished..
I know this won’t necessarily solve crime problems, but cutting cash flow off to drug related criminals should reduce the attractiveness of joining such ‘gangs’.
Direct access to drug takers for rehabilitation purposes
Having a record of how much people are taking and how often can allow social services to target help to the people who need it the most..
Reducing the burden on the Prison system and Police Force
So many people are in prison for non violent possession related crimes. These people could be functioning member of society and don’t necessarily pose a risk…
Take the cache away from doing something illegal
This i believe will reduce consumption of drugs. Will it be a rebellious 'cool' thing to try if you have to go to a Pharmacy to buy them..
Anyone can get hold of it anyway
They are easily accessible anyway, so why let drug traffickers sell a dangerous, non standard product when regulation could make it much better for society
State already allow addictive prescription drugs, and know they are way over subscribed…
I struggle to see a viable negative when you reference them against the positives. The only argument could be around whether usage would increase? I personally don’t think it would.
If usage increased, it would be an infinitely safer product anyway..