>>>But Heroin, Cocaine, and designer drugs which are far more potent, and damaging to one's health, I think we must draw the line and take action.<<<
Let's keep in mind the primary element with illicit drug distribution: Profit!
Now consider that many of the deaths and emergency room visits come not necessarily from the heroin or cocaine itself, but rather from the 'cut' put into the drug. What's the cut? The cut is the substance which reduces the purity of the drug while enhancing the quantity of the drug. Read: More quantity; more profit! In other words, if the drug is white, add a white substance (pick one!); if the drug is brown add a brown substance (pick one!). In effect, by allowing ignorance to prevail as oversight of an illegal drug distribution system, at best, means a severe loss in quality control. You'd be amazed as to what gets added into the 'cut.' And, very unfortunately, it's teens who are more apttotamper with the product in order to increase the size of that product. Again, another area where young people are harmed the most and yet another area that's little understood by the general populace which is more than not conditioned to seeing "Just Say No" and smashed eggs on a frypan.
>>>Some people say that if we legalized hard drugs, there wouldn't be as much usage of them.<<<
Again, anyone who wants drugs today can get 'em. Existing laws may impact how they are hidden, but not how they are used. I believe an honest education campaign, instead of one rooted and supporting the enforcement criminal model, would be more effective and more likely to influence the behavior of youth prone to varying forms of rebellion. Regarding adults? There's a certain percentage of folks in our society who have addictive personalities and will always have problems with substances whether alcohol-related or drug-related. This is why the treatment on demand, anytime/anywhere, is vitally important. I believe the money from the current illicit drug market insted of beefing up police departments could be better used from a legal market that generates funds aimed at harm reduction programs. The vast majority of our citizens don't show up drunk at work, do they? So why would they show up on drugs? Again, people have considered opinions about their own lives.
>>>But the fact that Latin American kids are buying 1/2 grams of Basuco for .50 and literally destroying their minds is evidence that this is not the case.<<<
The pressure of culture is enormous and the effects of poverty are obvious, obliterating even. Again, appropriate and honest education and programs which are helpful are needed in this situation. Ecnomic self-determination and a promise of a future is a wonderful prescription, don't you think? I don't see that in Latin America. Do you? |
