Of all the hotly debated topics looming over society today, there is one that has divided friends, family and lawmakers alike: the notion of legalizing drugs as a means by which to lower the crime rate and reduce the inherent negativity associated with drugs. To legalize drugs would be to remove the temptation that surrounds the act of drug taking; it would eliminate the need for black markets, robbery, murder and all the other insidious elements connected with illicit drug use. People would be left to their own accord as to how much and when they consumed without the infiltration of law enforcement authorities, enabling the crime rate to drop considerably and finally establishing societies where drugs are not at the root of virtually all criminal activity. The writer discusses the benefits of drug legalization, as well as addresses how well this platform has worked in Amsterdam. Although the writer of this essay does not necessarily endorse the use of marijuana, (s)he agrees with the argument that it is politically-incorrect to outlaw it in the United States. Very good points are made from the history of marijuana's existence in the country as well as the similar case of alcohol prohibition during the 1920's. The writer feels that the FDA should regulate the drug so that smokers do not risk using pot that is sneakily mixed with other substances. Medical evidence of marijuana's comparatively mild effects is presented and the report concludes that the negative impacts of marijuana's ban are far worse than those that would prevail if it were allowed to be sold openly and legally. ...
