Change how we fight against drugs

[0utrider]

OPINIONS & LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The war on drugs has been going on for more than 50 years. It has cost billions of dollars. Our jails and prisons are overcrowded. It is fair to say that it has not been successful.

If we were to decriminalize or repeal our drug laws, and have the government regulate, tax and control them, this would assure purity of the product and take the profit out of illegal drug trafficking. That would also remove the criminal element. It has worked with alcohol, which is regulated, taxed and controlled. It would also take the mystique out of using illegal drugs.

Granted, there is a risk for our society in allowing the lawful use of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, hashish, crack cocaine, opium and methamphetamines, which may lead to addiction, dependency and abuse. But these problems exist even though these drugs are illegal.

In a free society, people should be allowed to become obese, smoke tobacco, drink alcohol and use drugs even if that could lead to self-destruction and death.

In case you may think I have a hidden agenda, I neither smoke nor drink alcohol, and I have never used illegal drugs.

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