no, of course we should not legalize rape and murder. (altho’ our nation does allow the killing of our most innocent citizens—and I think that is our nation’s greatest sin)
I have known some potheads in my distant past, and I have known some alcoholics too. Along with some chronic gamblers, and chronic cheaters...
If we legalize and regulate it and tax it, then at least some money is recovered from these people who now use/buy/sell/deal illegally and all that profit goes to the source of the drug, who uses it to fund other illegal activities.
It’s just like legalizing gambling: manage the activity so that at least some money comes back to the government. Look at those states that have lotteries and use that money for funding education. At least something is gained, even if at the expense of the individual who made the poor choice to gamble in the first place. The good preacher on the outside of the door can continue to warn them about the dangers to their souls; the government can continue to take their money if they choose to go down the road to perdition. I know that if it’s outlawed in one place they they’ll seek it where either it isn’t outlawed or go illegal to get it. That’s just the way people with addictions of any kind are...
We won’t “tax it”, it will be paid for by taxpayers before long. I’m not stupid enough to buy that “tax it” crap.