[HawaiianGecko]

There is evidence that people who try legal drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, at an early age are more likely to progress to illegal ones.

Hmmm... I'm not sure but I don't think this scenario is possible.

One has to assume that "an early age" means sometime before one is 21 years of age and more likely referring to a 15 year old.  Last time I checked neither are legal drugs to a 15 year old.

I think it's more proper to say: "There is evidence that people who try illegal activity including alcohol & tobacco consumption at an early age are more like to continue their propensity for illegal activity in the future."

 

 

[hellbender]

"I think it's more proper to say: "There is evidence that people who try illegal activity including alcohol & tobacco consumption at an early age are more like to continue their propensity for illegal activity in the future."

I think it's true that people who show an early tendency to flout the law will continue to do so, yes. But I also think there is evidence that people who are willing to put one mind-altering deleterious substance into their brain are likely to do so with other substances. Others who might be tempted are constrained by social or legal stigma, concern about health, or by monetary costs. Removing these impediments and making pot freely available will make more people use the stuff. I don't think society will be better for that. We have enough problem with legal drugs.