Decriminalising Drugs

[Bhootnike]

Something banned all over the world for many reasons, is legalised in Australia. why? is this what gillard meant by ' moving forward' ? What about things such as health, education for our future children, sports? why spend money on legalising drugs - factory costs, etc etc, when we can spend it elewhere?

I think you will find that the reasons for banning drugs were never based on minimising harm or costs to society.

Advocates for decriminalising drugs will argue that you will *make* money as: 1) you tax production and sales 2) you ensure a high quality product so people don't suffer from the harmful effects of adulterants (i.e. lower health costs) 3) you no longer need to police or imprison for drug related charges.

I didn't mean to give reasons as to why they were banned.
I just thought of some reasons for why we maybe shouldnt legalise drugs 

[nubs]

I didn't mean to give reasons as to why they were banned.
I just thought of some reasons for why we maybe shouldnt legalise drugs 

Well they aren't exactly reasons for why drugs shouldn't be legalised, rather the opposite. Legalising will generate millions through tax revenue, and save millions through cuts in law enforcement, this money can then be used to invest in healthcare, education, infrastructure etc

[nacho]

I think the harmless drugs like marijuana should be legalised, and alcohol and cigarettes should be made illegal.
If this happens at the same time, we can have junkies getting high, and being too happy to care about the bans on durries and beer.

Also, as I am an economist, the black market would take a toll in terms of drugs, hence improving our economy in that aspect.
Now some of you will be thinking "But nacho, won't the black market now expand to cigarettes and alcohol?''.
That is correct, however, the black market would still take a huge dip, because a lot of average people who don't mess with dealers drink alcohol and smoke. They won't be taking the risks.

[Truck]

a lot of average people who don't mess with dealers drink alcohol and smoke. They won't be taking the risks.

History would suggest otherwise, look up Prohibition in America which was a policy active during the 1920s - early 1930s, it was pretty much an abysmal failure .

[Russ]

At risk of sounding like a broken record, there's no such thing as a harmless drug

[Starlight]

At risk of sounding like a broken record, there's no such thing as a harmless drug

touche

[Soul_Khan]

At risk of sounding like a broken record, there's no such thing as a harmless drug

Unless you're taking a placebo and are the control group.

[mark_alec]

At risk of sounding like a broken record, there's no such thing as a harmless drug

So? Anything carries a risk. For what reason should we make drugs illegal over say: riding a bike, a horse, skateboard, surfboard, skydiving, spelunking etc.

[mystikal]

If we make them legal australia is gonna be a hot spot for trafficking those specific drugs and also maybe increase human error accidents.

 If you are gonna legalise them then I reckon strict limits/restrictions should be placed and the money generated from the taxes should be invested in improving healthcare or any problems associated with the drugs.

[slothpomba]

If you are gonna legalise them then I reckon strict limits/restrictions should be placed and the money generated from the taxes should be invested in improving healthcare or any problems associated with the drugs.

A bit of circular reasoning dont you think? We'll create a problem, make money off it then use that money to attempt to fix it!

[thushan]

Not really, we're not creating a problem, it's already there. We're channelling the problem such that the problem is the source of the solution.

[paulsterio]

If you legalise them and tax the hell out of them, addicts are still going to buy them from the blackmarket if it is cheaper.

[binders]

I'm surprised that previous thought on this hasn't been quoted much in the thread. it's an old question.
for those with the patience to read it, sections 9 & 19 are relevant: http://www.bartleby.com/130/4.html

[kensan]

If you are gonna legalise them then I reckon strict limits/restrictions should be placed and the money generated from the taxes should be invested in improving healthcare or any problems associated with the drugs.

A bit of circular reasoning dont you think? We'll create a problem, make money off it then use that money to attempt to fix it!

Kind of like gambling.