[pooh fan]

Listen people, humans always seek altered states on some level. Just look at little kids spinning around to get dizzy, then falling on the ground to feel the effects. Don Juan Castanada wrote several books about seeing God while under the influence of a variety of substances. Just because we can, doesn't make it right. We have choices--its like cheating on a spouse; you can if you want to, you DON'T because you know it will hurt the other person.

[VoteHarryBrowne2000]

You're correct in that everyone has a choice about what behavior to engage in before they do something. Dr. Amen's work has put some science into the debate about what drugs do to people's brains. His book shows what an alcoholic's brain looks like or what a pot smoker's brain looks like, among others. The evidence is undeniable about the damage being done. Some of the interesting scans he has are of people with brain injuries along with their behavioral histories. After reading his book, it became apparent to me that a lot of people that engage in drug use and violent crimes have damaged brains and that damage can be shown scientifically. I can't give a full review of the book here, but if you are interested in learning more check out his web site or read the book.

[MrLeRoy]

Just because we can, doesn't make it right.

And just because it isn't right, doesn't make it anyone else's or government's business.