Body & Soul0 min ago
Should drugs be legalised?
Well it's Friday, let's have a little debate. As drugs etc are in the news I thought I'd get soundings from you articulate souls. I'm unsure myself, although I hate the illegal drugs etc I tend to think that legalising them would cut out the whole criminal sub culture that supports them and may well be a good thing and if someone wants to fill their body with narcotics then that's their prerogative. What would be the downside? Do you think that we would descend into a drug addled stupor? Would society collapse? Or would very little change except that the Governement would have more sources of revenue and the drugs themselves could be standardised and regulated? What would be the effect on the NHS? What would be the international effects? I'm really sitting on the fence here so your views are welcome
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The only real downside to me is that we'd become a magnet for the international stag party scene. It'd be like Amsterdam and we'd have an invasion of party-tourists who abuse the novelty.
We would see a huge reduction in crime and a far safer drug climate. I genuinely don't think that people would descend into a drug-taking frenzy. I'm not convinced it's the illegality of drugs that puts non-takers off. And it doesn't have to send a message that the government approves of drug-taking. God knows, they warn us of the dangers of smoking enough.
The costs to the NHS would easily be outweighed by the extra tax revenue. Source: me.
You're right to say it's the invidual's prerogative. As JS MIll once said, a person should be at liberty to do whatever they like, as long as it doesn't harm anyone else.
And yet, governments ditch that ideal when it comes to drugs and legislate on what they think is good for us, or to protect some fictional, 'agreed' set of morals. Booze, fatty foods, bungee jumping and suicide are all deemed to be fine though.
For more fun reading, see my dissertation: 'The Rise of Legal Moralism and Legal Paternalism in the UK'.
Actually, don't.
We would see a huge reduction in crime and a far safer drug climate. I genuinely don't think that people would descend into a drug-taking frenzy. I'm not convinced it's the illegality of drugs that puts non-takers off. And it doesn't have to send a message that the government approves of drug-taking. God knows, they warn us of the dangers of smoking enough.
The costs to the NHS would easily be outweighed by the extra tax revenue. Source: me.
You're right to say it's the invidual's prerogative. As JS MIll once said, a person should be at liberty to do whatever they like, as long as it doesn't harm anyone else.
And yet, governments ditch that ideal when it comes to drugs and legislate on what they think is good for us, or to protect some fictional, 'agreed' set of morals. Booze, fatty foods, bungee jumping and suicide are all deemed to be fine though.
For more fun reading, see my dissertation: 'The Rise of Legal Moralism and Legal Paternalism in the UK'.
Actually, don't.
Personally I still erm and err about this quite a lot but on the whole I think yes.
I don't believe that it would encourage more people to take drugs if they were legal.
I also think that it would impact other areas like prostitution and theft if we legalised it and gave heroin as prescription on NHS. I think we migh see a fall in violent crime and possibly even prostituion itself. That said, I don't know what the impact on the NHS would be.
Making drugs legal does also mean taxable too I guess so the goverment is going to benefit in some way.
What would decriminalising it do anyone? Is that the same as making it legal? I never understood if there was a difference.
I don't believe that it would encourage more people to take drugs if they were legal.
I also think that it would impact other areas like prostitution and theft if we legalised it and gave heroin as prescription on NHS. I think we migh see a fall in violent crime and possibly even prostituion itself. That said, I don't know what the impact on the NHS would be.
Making drugs legal does also mean taxable too I guess so the goverment is going to benefit in some way.
What would decriminalising it do anyone? Is that the same as making it legal? I never understood if there was a difference.
This is a difficult one.
One of the worst times for crime in the USA was when prohibition came in (no alcohol etc). Gave rise to Al Capone, and other gangs running speakeasy's (illegal drinking dens).
It gave a certain thrill to go to an illegal drinking den, and I believe drinking went UP. Plus of course you had no idea what was in the alcohol as it was produced in secret.
Also it gave the chance to make big profits to the criminals.
Same here now with illegal drugs. Scarcity means high prices and big profits. Big profits means the criminals get involved. Addicts need the money to pay for drugs so turn to crime or prostitution (or both) to feed their habit.
High drug profits brings in undesireables from abroad like Yardie gangsters, and they will shoot anybody who gets in their way because they are low life scum.
So one solution is to give it away free.
Of course the other solution is to bring back the death penalty and hang anyone caught smuggling in drugs, or selling drugs, or making drugs.
Saudi Arabia and other countries have no drug problem because they COME DOWN HARD on people involved in drugs.
We have a problem because we have PLAYED SOFT for so many years that people reckon it is worth getting involved in drugs because of the relatively low sentences.
If we hit a few dealers hard, VERY HARD, we may reduce the problem.
One of the worst times for crime in the USA was when prohibition came in (no alcohol etc). Gave rise to Al Capone, and other gangs running speakeasy's (illegal drinking dens).
It gave a certain thrill to go to an illegal drinking den, and I believe drinking went UP. Plus of course you had no idea what was in the alcohol as it was produced in secret.
Also it gave the chance to make big profits to the criminals.
Same here now with illegal drugs. Scarcity means high prices and big profits. Big profits means the criminals get involved. Addicts need the money to pay for drugs so turn to crime or prostitution (or both) to feed their habit.
High drug profits brings in undesireables from abroad like Yardie gangsters, and they will shoot anybody who gets in their way because they are low life scum.
So one solution is to give it away free.
Of course the other solution is to bring back the death penalty and hang anyone caught smuggling in drugs, or selling drugs, or making drugs.
Saudi Arabia and other countries have no drug problem because they COME DOWN HARD on people involved in drugs.
We have a problem because we have PLAYED SOFT for so many years that people reckon it is worth getting involved in drugs because of the relatively low sentences.
If we hit a few dealers hard, VERY HARD, we may reduce the problem.
I think there's always a thrill factor in anything that is illegal. Make all drugs legal, supply them from proper outlets and it would stop the dealers. Just as a point of interest, CB radios were illegal in the 70s and 80s. There were millions of them in the country at that time. They were legalised in 1981 and their use dramatically went down. Makes you wonder.
-- answer removed --
I don't agree on legalising drugs at all but if there was no other choice then:
Soft drugs, yes. Although the legal suppliers would have to be heavily regulated. (for example, Amsterdam seems to be doing ok)
Hard drugs, no, never.
Effect on the NHS, increase in number of potheads, slight decrease in number of smokers and alcoholics (maybe) as new fad catches up. Overall, cost/casualties stay the same.
Soft drugs, yes. Although the legal suppliers would have to be heavily regulated. (for example, Amsterdam seems to be doing ok)
Hard drugs, no, never.
Effect on the NHS, increase in number of potheads, slight decrease in number of smokers and alcoholics (maybe) as new fad catches up. Overall, cost/casualties stay the same.
I read it in the news yesterday as Gordon Brown is now trying to reclassify canabis again - They downgraded it to class C and now they want to put it back to class B - Has anyone noticed any difference in useage etc. while it has been downgraded? I very much doubt it!!!
I don't think that you can talk about 'drugs' i.e. putting them all in one catagory as there are huge differences between heroine and alcohol (yes alcohol should go in the drugs catagory too but that argument has been hammered to death so lets not go there again)
There are arguments both ways but what really annoys me is the people that assume that once you have had one spliff that you are on the slippery slope and before long you will be hooked on crack or heroine. That simply does not happen!!! - some people may try a stage further and try the next drug and then the next etc. but most people find their own limit they are happy with and stay there e.g. some people try a spliff and stick to smoking weed, some people try cocaine and stick to that or they may try them, decide they dont like them so never use them again, same with alcohol really, just because you drink doesn't mean that you will soon be adicted to crack
The way drugs are available in todays society I don't think it makes any difference whether they are legal or illegal they are still easily available.
Decriminalising drugs will only cause the price to rise (due to taxes etc.) so for the few people that say 'woo hoo they are legal now lets go and take some' you will get the same amount of people saying 'they are too expensive now so I cant afford it'
There is no way you can eradicate drugs completely as there will always be a demand for that escapism, high, feel good factor.
So, keep them illegal as it may at least put a small minority or young kids off taking them.
I don't think that you can talk about 'drugs' i.e. putting them all in one catagory as there are huge differences between heroine and alcohol (yes alcohol should go in the drugs catagory too but that argument has been hammered to death so lets not go there again)
There are arguments both ways but what really annoys me is the people that assume that once you have had one spliff that you are on the slippery slope and before long you will be hooked on crack or heroine. That simply does not happen!!! - some people may try a stage further and try the next drug and then the next etc. but most people find their own limit they are happy with and stay there e.g. some people try a spliff and stick to smoking weed, some people try cocaine and stick to that or they may try them, decide they dont like them so never use them again, same with alcohol really, just because you drink doesn't mean that you will soon be adicted to crack
The way drugs are available in todays society I don't think it makes any difference whether they are legal or illegal they are still easily available.
Decriminalising drugs will only cause the price to rise (due to taxes etc.) so for the few people that say 'woo hoo they are legal now lets go and take some' you will get the same amount of people saying 'they are too expensive now so I cant afford it'
There is no way you can eradicate drugs completely as there will always be a demand for that escapism, high, feel good factor.
So, keep them illegal as it may at least put a small minority or young kids off taking them.
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Hmmm, only certain drugs should be legalised and even then they should be taxed.
I think if you legalise drugs, you also get 'clean' drugs.
A lot of you would be able to go to Asda and buy some smartprice canabis or tesco value resin. I would be one of those that go to M&S though and buy some coke...
I think if you legalise drugs, you also get 'clean' drugs.
A lot of you would be able to go to Asda and buy some smartprice canabis or tesco value resin. I would be one of those that go to M&S though and buy some coke...
I can't see the medical profession being enamoured with the idea. I think it would put intolerable stain on the NHS. There may be extra tax to offset this but we can't get enough doctors and nurses now, let alone having to increase the numbers to cope. There would be an increase in violence fuelled by stimulant drugs like cocaine, because I'm sure there would be an increase in drug users. Teenagers are always keen to imitate the habits of adults that are forbidden to them by virtue of age.
This is why we wouldn't see the end of drug dealers. Presuming you would have to set an age limit, say 18, the dealers would then target those beneath that age. If heavily taxed, again a market for the dealers, as exampled by the tobacco and alcohol black market. Legalising heroin and cocaine would present a major problem. The body builds up toleration to these drugs so dosage has to be increased in order to reach the same highs as before, eventully resulting in taking it just to feel normal for a few hours. This often causes death due to overdose. Now the authorities can't issue enough for them to kill themselves so again the illegal dealer is going to be the source for the extra needed. Don't legalise these two drugs and you are left with the same supply source.
'Drug addled stupor' you ask Loosehead. Lesson in history for us. One of the main reasons that China went to war with us in the Opium wars of the 19th century.
This is why we wouldn't see the end of drug dealers. Presuming you would have to set an age limit, say 18, the dealers would then target those beneath that age. If heavily taxed, again a market for the dealers, as exampled by the tobacco and alcohol black market. Legalising heroin and cocaine would present a major problem. The body builds up toleration to these drugs so dosage has to be increased in order to reach the same highs as before, eventully resulting in taking it just to feel normal for a few hours. This often causes death due to overdose. Now the authorities can't issue enough for them to kill themselves so again the illegal dealer is going to be the source for the extra needed. Don't legalise these two drugs and you are left with the same supply source.
'Drug addled stupor' you ask Loosehead. Lesson in history for us. One of the main reasons that China went to war with us in the Opium wars of the 19th century.
What long answers!!!
To answer your title question "Should drugs be lagalised?"
Then the short answer is a 100 percent no no and thrice no.
Heroin addicts are the scum of society and crackheads the bile in Satans belly.
Drugs kill more people than knives in the UK, do we want to see them on the streets?
The reason I say this is because there is always no mush who compares alcohol with drugs. Idiots.
Drugs are for the lonely and desperate in life. Do we really want to encourage such a lifestyle??
To answer your title question "Should drugs be lagalised?"
Then the short answer is a 100 percent no no and thrice no.
Heroin addicts are the scum of society and crackheads the bile in Satans belly.
Drugs kill more people than knives in the UK, do we want to see them on the streets?
The reason I say this is because there is always no mush who compares alcohol with drugs. Idiots.
Drugs are for the lonely and desperate in life. Do we really want to encourage such a lifestyle??
Sorry my opinion will be succinct compared to the rest.
I have a junkie (herion adict) who has started coming to my door for a tap.Now I know the last time he couldnt score he mugged some old woman of her handbag.He spent time in prison and came out clean -he quite obviously is not now.I have given him the last I will give him amd he accepts this.Why do I still feel guilty?
His mum is an alkie -his dad died at 40 thro drink.He was brought up from pillar to post by family members.I feel for him but I have give him a good talking to -in one ear and out the other.He is at deaths door -has be born with his parents adictive genes -he's only 24 -bless him.
I dont know now id de-crimilising is better cos I know of some who get tgheir methadone and keep it in their mouth then spit it out for dosh.
Is there an easy solution? It pains me -BTW -I come from a drug fre environment and dont partake myself -but can sympathise .
I have a junkie (herion adict) who has started coming to my door for a tap.Now I know the last time he couldnt score he mugged some old woman of her handbag.He spent time in prison and came out clean -he quite obviously is not now.I have given him the last I will give him amd he accepts this.Why do I still feel guilty?
His mum is an alkie -his dad died at 40 thro drink.He was brought up from pillar to post by family members.I feel for him but I have give him a good talking to -in one ear and out the other.He is at deaths door -has be born with his parents adictive genes -he's only 24 -bless him.
I dont know now id de-crimilising is better cos I know of some who get tgheir methadone and keep it in their mouth then spit it out for dosh.
Is there an easy solution? It pains me -BTW -I come from a drug fre environment and dont partake myself -but can sympathise .
Loose - I think all of them should be legalized all over the world.
The war against them doesn't work. It wastes massive amounts of money and personnel - and doesn't even make a dent in the drug trade. Legalizing them would eliminate that AND they could be taxed.
You know back in the day, we tried to prohibit alcohol here in the USA - look how well THAT worked!
BBWCHATT
The old lady in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
The war against them doesn't work. It wastes massive amounts of money and personnel - and doesn't even make a dent in the drug trade. Legalizing them would eliminate that AND they could be taxed.
You know back in the day, we tried to prohibit alcohol here in the USA - look how well THAT worked!
BBWCHATT
The old lady in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
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