EPTOn March 09 2012 06:07 Myles wrote:
It pretty much comes down to if you think criminalized drugs actually reduce use. I'm of the opinion that it doesn't, and that legalizing drugs would result in a negligible increase in use, as it's been shown in areas where decriminalization has already occurred.
Of course people are going to act stupid and potentially get addicted - the same way they do with alcohol, tobacco, and prescribed drugs(legally prescribed that is). The main difference would be that they'd no longer cost the justice system billions, potentially bring in billions in tax revenue, and increase the safety of drugs since they wouldn't be made in basements anymore and would have to meet regulations like other products.
And cartels will still try to make money in other areas, but this is still one less area for them to do that in, an area that probably brings in the most revenue for them. No reasonable person should suggest they would disappear, but they would be significantly weakened from the lack of funds.
It pretty much comes down to if you think criminalized drugs actually reduce use. I'm of the opinion that it doesn't, and that legalizing drugs would result in a negligible increase in use, as it's been shown in areas where decriminalization has already occurred.
Of course people are going to act stupid and potentially get addicted - the same way they do with alcohol, tobacco, and prescribed drugs(legally prescribed that is). The main difference would be that they'd no longer cost the justice system billions, potentially bring in billions in tax revenue, and increase the safety of drugs since they wouldn't be made in basements anymore and would have to meet regulations like other products.
And cartels will still try to make money in other areas, but this is still one less area for them to do that in, an area that probably brings in the most revenue for them. No reasonable person should suggest they would disappear, but they would be significantly weakened from the lack of funds.
I know the issue of would it increase or decrease drug use is a factor, but I believe data has shown that over time it decreases drug use by quite a bit and helps already addicted users find help.
People will find a way to do drugs whether they are legal or not, marijuana being illegal doesn't stop 30 percent of high school kids from using it.
Cartels are also a problem mainly because of their trafficking of drugs across borders and the incidents caused from doing so. Would they find other ways to make money? Maybe but I don't think it would raise human trafficking as you said because the demand for such services aren't expected to rise because of this at all. Their funding would be slashed and deaths would be avoided.
