Pubdate: Fri, 09 May 2008
Source: Asheville Citizen-Times (NC)
Copyright: 2008 Asheville Citizen-Times
Contact:  http://www.citizen-times.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/863
Author: Kristina Crawford
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08.n412.a01.html

BETTER TO LEGALIZE DRUGS THAN MAKE CRIMINALS OF USERS

Recently there has been much controversy about why or why not
marijuana should be legalized; I would just like to get out my opinion
on why drugs should be legalized.

There are many reasons as to why it would be a positive to be
legalized. People nowadays are concerned with crime; however, what
people don't realize is that if drugs were legalized, many causes of
crime would be reduced dramatically. Many of the causes of crime are
brought about by people who otherwise would not be criminals if drugs
were legal. Many people believe that drugs are illegal because of the
addictive properties in them; however, what people don't think about
is the fact that other legal substances have just as many addictive
properties.

As a person who is concerned about the problems with the legal status
of drugs, I would just like it known that many studies prove it would
reduce the current crime rates if drugs were legalized. Also, that
from an economic standpoint, it would greatly reduce the cost that is
spent on crime. I would just like it known that it is a very expensive
social cost to have drugs illegal.

Kristina Crawford

Cullowhee
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