[Bokababe]

Not sure about the Netherlands, FGS, but Portugal decriminalized drugs — with some surprising success. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=portugal-drug-decriminalization

[USNBandit]

In Portugal they didn't legalize drugs, they just don't send you to jail anymore. If you get caught you still have to go to the "drug aversion committee" who can fine you, help you get treatment or cut you lose.

[ForGod'sSake]

Thanks Bokababe. It's similar to most other articles I find about the Netherlands. All upside and no downside. Makes me a bit skeptical when I can find very little about any problems that may have arisen from legalization.

In any case I think the legalization question should be left up to the states under their "policing" powers and not the federales. I just don't see how the Constitution gives them that authority. Possibly under their taxing authority they can discourage behavior not conducive to a sober society, but that may even be a stretch.