It seems that a number of the riots over the summer have revolved around a suspect who was using or selling drugs. And that makes me question if the damage that has been done to this country was worth it. As an aside, who benefitted from this war on drugs politically? The Democrats! They were able to leverage "police brutality" on minorities as campaign material.
Anyway, I don't want to get too much into a spur of the issue, but I wonder about something. If addictive drugs are decriminalized or legalized, will someone be able to go into a pharmacy and purchase medical grade addictive substances in liquid or tablet form? Opiates (morphine), stimulants (meth, cocaine), phencyclidine, marijuana, hallucinogens? Will the DEA cease the prosecution of doctors who "over prescribe" addictive substances? Will the government cease lawsuits against manufactures who produce addictive drugs?
I want the price to be below a level that encourages (rather than virtually requires) addicts to commit crimes (including selling drugs) to pay for drugs.
I want not the possession, sale or use of drugs to be criminal but the behavior caused by drug abuse to be prosecuted.
I'd be interested in an answer to these questions myself. The government's jihad against doctors who prescribe opiates to those with real, chronic pain should be an anathema in a free country (which, of course, we haven't been for decades).
Personally, I have no desire whatsoever to use any drug more powerful than alcohol (I like beer). I really don't care about what other people do. However, actions of free men should still have consequences. If you cause harm to someone else while under the influence of anything, you should have to accept the consequences of your actions. Also, just because you've decided to drug yourself into oblivion, I, as a member of society should not be obligated to support you.
Personally, I think our society would benefit greatly if we remove the criminal element from the entire drug issue. I think it would be nice to actually have police be able to focus on property crimes and violence, as opposed to a transaction between consenting adults. I prefer to live as a free man and not be subject to government coercion in regards to every little thing, from seatbelts, to drugs.