Words simply fail me-

[scaeagles]

I have never been one that believes that the legalization of drugs cures a multiple of ills. There will most certainly still be theft involved. There will be a huge black market. Drug dealers will not simply go quietly into the night because there are other outlets. I see them turning to other crime to finance their lifestyle - maybe protection rackets on stores which would sell the newly legalized drugs. Drug users will be just as violent to satisfy their addiction. As alcohol cannot be sold to minors, I'm sure drugs would fall under the same restrictions, so there is certainly still an illegal market that would be filled....illegally. Food stamps would still be sold for pennies on the dollar for cash to buy drugs, etc, etc, etc.

The problems would be different, but not necessarily reduced. Perhaps 20-30 years after legalization there might be some relief from the crime and violence associated with it, but certainly nothing in the short term.

Take prostitution in Nevada. Legal in some areas, but legal brothels are far more expensive than the average hooker walking down the strip in Vegas, I'm sure. I would not be in the least surprised if regulation, testing for purity and content, blah, blah, blah, would make a hit of crack more expensive at the local Walgreens than on the street. And I would not sit quietly if my tax dollars were used to fund one hit for one addict, and I could see that happening.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

The problems would be different, but not necessarily reduced. Perhaps 20-30 years after legalization there might be some relief from the crime and violence associated with it, but certainly nothing in the short term.

Your point? Yes, it will take time. I disagree with it taking that long because, among other things, with the isntant decrease in spending in enforcement, combined with increased revenue from taxes, efforts and resources can be concentrated on solving those remaining issues.[/quote]

Take prostitution in Nevada. Legal in some areas, but legal brothels are far more expensive than the average hooker walking down the strip in Vegas, I'm sure. I would not be in the least surprised if regulation, testing for purity and content, blah, blah, blah, would make a hit of crack more expensive at the local Walgreens than on the street.

Supply and demand. Legalized prostitution doesn't significantly increase the supply. You aren't going to suddenly have women clamboring to sell their bodies just because it's legal. Yes, there will be more, but you're right, not enough to offset the increased costs of running a legitimate business as opposed to walking the streets. But drugs? The most popular is a weed. Legalize it and California alone could probably supply the whole nation it grows so well out here. Others can be mass produced with relative ease. There would be no problem in increasing the supply to offset regulation costs.