Should drugs be legal? — with David Boaz (1995) | THINK TANK
Original air date: February 17, 1995 Are the current tactics for winning the war on drugs ineffective? Some say that we need a new approach to solve the criminal …
Legalize pot (possibly psychedelics), set a weight threshold for each hard drug that determines personal use vs. trafficking. Decriminalize possession of any amount less than that so it becomes a civil offense and a fine- but there should be a three strikes type rule so the 3rd or 4th time you are cited for personal use amount it becomes a criminal offense or forced rehab. Keep penalties for trafficking relatively harsh but not draconian (unless a repeat offender).
I'm sure there is some sort of balance to be had in this debate, but even 24 years ago we couldn't figure this out. Often I've thought the lessons from prohibition should have taught people that making a substance illegal only gives rise to criminals like the mob coming in power. Perhaps something like legal smoke shops, but with decent amount of regulations would prove more effective?
The alleged statistics involve assumptions of cause and effect. The debate is interesting from an historical perspective, but beyond that, this discussion is useless.
This is either a free country or it isn't… So, The government has the right to dictate what you can or can't do with your own body? Hmmm…. I don't know what you call that but it isn't freedom. The so called elites of this country think that the public is unable to think for themselves. The political class of this country is constipated. =full of shit…. I have to watch this again later because of all the BS in the video.
Legalize pot (possibly psychedelics), set a weight threshold for each hard drug that determines personal use vs. trafficking. Decriminalize possession of any amount less than that so it becomes a civil offense and a fine- but there should be a three strikes type rule so the 3rd or 4th time you are cited for personal use amount it becomes a criminal offense or forced rehab. Keep penalties for trafficking relatively harsh but not draconian (unless a repeat offender).
Uh, President Bush, PROHIBITION of drugs turned your streets into war zones.
I'm sure there is some sort of balance to be had in this debate, but even 24 years ago we couldn't figure this out. Often I've thought the lessons from prohibition should have taught people that making a substance illegal only gives rise to criminals like the mob coming in power. Perhaps something like legal smoke shops, but with decent amount of regulations would prove more effective?
OMG! I'm an alumnus of CCNY-class of 2010!
Anyway, legalize but strictly regulate and continue to socially discourage recreational drug use.
Drug use should be a public health issue and not a criminal one.
What we are doing now isn't working. Here are my three alternatives to put to a vote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6pWfq4g5xQ
The alleged statistics involve assumptions of cause and effect. The debate is interesting from an historical perspective, but beyond that, this discussion is useless.
This is either a free country or it isn't… So, The government has the right to dictate what you can or can't do with your own body? Hmmm…. I don't know what you call that but it isn't freedom. The so called elites of this country think that the public is unable to think for themselves. The political class of this country is constipated. =full of shit…. I have to watch this again later because of all the BS in the video.
Drug prohibitions are unConstitutional. Full stop.