My response was simply that one could also apply those exact same points to cocaine, with meth as the 'evil' drug. I guess not, huh?
Well then, would you consider legalizing other soft drugs such as Ecstasy, GHB, LSD, nitrous, psilocybe shrooms, peyote, valium, and the like?
Yes, I do believe a) tax on pot would bring in huge revenue (but I could be wrong), b) crime would be reduced, c) less people would be put in prison with non-violent natures and d) the DEA could focus on more 'evil' drugs.
"My response was simply that one could also apply those exact same points to cocaine, with Meth as the 'evil' drug..." - you're right they could, but IMO and, I believe, for many others, that would not be plausible, accepted on a wide scale or rational. Based on statistics, cocaine will never be considered as harmless as alcohol or pot. Have you ever heard of crack babies? A nurse friend of mine deals with them almost every day. Have you heard of pot babies? -No, at least not in these terms. There are big-babies that smoke pot however. LOL
Your list of 'soft' drugs actually are on my list of 'hard' drugs. I think a high majority of people would agree. Ecstasy seems really bad, although I don't have any personal experience of using or knowing users. Hasn't Valium been legal for quite some time? Personally, I consider Valium very bad also. All powdered drugs (including prescription, opiates, uppers and downers) seem to have negative aspects far beyond alcohol or pot usage, except aspirin possibly. We may agree quite a bit here, but seem to have completely different feelings about the dangers of pot. Just guessing here though.