Washington & Colorado Legalize Recreational Marijuana

[piercehawkeye45]

Originally Posted by Flint

I don't want to digress from the main subject here, into a more questionable landscape, but I do struggle with this particular argument.

The argument isn't ideal, but no other argument on that topic is either. As long as the effects of something remains largely unknown, there is no purely legitimate justification to legalize or ban something. That is why these issues are so controversial.

With LSD, there are known permanent side effects that can affect people for the rest of their lives. See HPPD (Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder). Almost all the specifics are unknown about this condition besides that it is really bad for people who get it. I don't believe that this, and similar side effects, justify LSD's prohibition but I want to make a point that society has to make a decision before sufficient evidence surfaces. Only in hindsight will we know if the decision was good or not.

However, my argument for LSD is more of a pragmatic one. While I don't see it negatively effecting society because its prevalence is low and the risk of major side effects is even lower, I don't think the drug should be promoted by society due to the current uncertainty about its safety. Since it is already illegal, the act of legalizing LSD itself is a form of promotion and I believe that should be avoided. Personally, I don't care if people use it (almost every single one of my friends have used it, including myself) but the uncertainty associated with LSD is too much for it to be considered "safe". However, as I mentioned, I think that LSD and similar drugs should basically be decriminalized. No one should go to jail over their use.


With regards to weed, I agree with you. I don't see it as much different than alcohol (better than alcohol in my opinion). Both are drugs that employers ideally shouldn't have a say with but unfortunately, both drugs can control some people's lives, affecting their working ability.

Basically, the entire drug argument comes down to the fact that we are forced to make a one size fits all decision on substances that effects everyone differently. There will never be a "fair" decision but I think we should strive to at least make a rational one. Our current drug laws are far from rational, and yes, many people will have to die (old geezers) before a rational discussion on the this topic can even occur.