H
Hydrogen
Guest
Just to be clear, I am for legalizing it. Decriminalizing sort of seems like the worst of both worlds. Given that it is almost de facto decriminalized (I don't think any cop would charge you with anything under 5g), I don't see what decriminalization would accomplish.
I think decriminalizing pot is the first step - but as mentioned it's not a perfect step. Some sort of imagined instant legalization would create a huge number of problems due to misperceptions. For some ardent cannabis promoters, legalization would mean a free-for-all; do as you please anywhere and any time. Remember, legalization also means definition by laws, and those laws must first be created. Any effort to do so would inevitably be very contentious. Just look at the legal history of tobacco and alcohol for examples.
To illustrate, you can smoke tobacco while driving your car, but you can't drink alcohol. Would you want someone lighting up some cannabis while driving? Effects can vary considerably. You can drink alcohol on the outdoor patio of a bar or pub, and sometimes you can smoke, too. Should that automatically mean someone can smoke pot there as well? Who would be allowed to sell cannabis? If the cost is regulated and taxed by government, will it actually eliminate the illegal (unregulated) sales? Will you be allowed to cultivate it in your own back yard? Then there are the ongoing issues of addiction and health, and the costs associated with those. In the end, how many pot advocates would bridle at the thought of the government actually regulating the distribution, use and content of their favoured substance?
Wanting to do as one pleases does not automatically secure goods for all of society, or satisfy the concerns of all citizens. Legalization would certainly not result in allowing someone to do as he or she pleases.