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What would be the purpose of legalising illicit drugs?
Some suggest that it would combat illicit enrichment; others defend that it would decrease crime rates related to drug trafficking; others would even argue that it would help fighting money laundering (i.e. preventing drug traffickers from transforming the proceeds of their criminal business into revenue generated by a legal activity).
This sounds simple in theory, but like Antonio Maria Costa (Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) said “transnational organized crime will never be stopped by drug legalization” and I am inclined to agree with him.
So, if drugs become legalized who would then become their main supplier? The government? I suppose this would pose a huge problem, for there would be a portion of citizens who would not agree on financing (through taxes) the supply of the presently called illicit drugs.
Then whom? Para-state organisations? And who would be the CEOs of these groups? Perhaps people trained by incarcerated drug dealers/traffickers (the Feds would make use of their expertise to train future generations of Drug Supply Chief Executive Officers - after all, drug dealers and traffickers do know more about the business than anyone).
However I am suspicious that not even this would obliterate drug trafficking nor decrease drug related crimes.
For example, in the Netherlands, coffee-shops owners are allowed to grow cannabis at home and then sell it in their shops (each shop is allowed to have 500 grams [17.6 ounces] in its premise), but they cannot buy large quantities from external producers/suppliers. This looks good on paper, but the problem is that
Producers, through the use of laboratories, "managed to increase the amount of the active ingredient THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) in their plants from an average of between 4 percent and 9 percent to around 18 percent. Some strains have even reached 30 percent." (source: Der Spiegel). And these sophisticated producers have managed to introduce their products in the coffee-shops (even though it is illegal to buy from external sources). If you follow the provided link above, you will see that even though it is legal to sell cannabis in Holland, drug related crimes have not decreased.
Drug traffickers exist first because there are people who have a genetic pre-disposition to use drugs; and second because people push others to that abyss (through indifference, negligence, abandonment, despise, and more importantly through the lack of sense of community - because nowadays no one is capable of offering a meal, a smile or a hug to its neighbour's child).
Drugs, be it legal or illegal, are addictive, dangerous and they kill.
Illegal drugs will never end for there are several people involved (from all walks of life [social and political]).
About legal drugs, no one will ever make a serious effort to go after pharmaceutical companies, since they contribute to institutions we all profit from (hospitals, schools, sport complexes etc etc etc) and place people, that are favourable to them, in politics (i.e. drug companies finance and win elections).
This makes me come to a conclusion:
Drugs: illegal or legal, it doesn't matter cause either way we are stuck with them.
One could advocate going back to the basics (natural medicine) but how, when even nature is not nature any longer?
For a different perspective on this controversial theme, visit my co-Graffiter LS: Here
Some suggest that it would combat illicit enrichment; others defend that it would decrease crime rates related to drug trafficking; others would even argue that it would help fighting money laundering (i.e. preventing drug traffickers from transforming the proceeds of their criminal business into revenue generated by a legal activity).
This sounds simple in theory, but like Antonio Maria Costa (Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) said “transnational organized crime will never be stopped by drug legalization” and I am inclined to agree with him.
So, if drugs become legalized who would then become their main supplier? The government? I suppose this would pose a huge problem, for there would be a portion of citizens who would not agree on financing (through taxes) the supply of the presently called illicit drugs.
Then whom? Para-state organisations? And who would be the CEOs of these groups? Perhaps people trained by incarcerated drug dealers/traffickers (the Feds would make use of their expertise to train future generations of Drug Supply Chief Executive Officers - after all, drug dealers and traffickers do know more about the business than anyone).
However I am suspicious that not even this would obliterate drug trafficking nor decrease drug related crimes.
For example, in the Netherlands, coffee-shops owners are allowed to grow cannabis at home and then sell it in their shops (each shop is allowed to have 500 grams [17.6 ounces] in its premise), but they cannot buy large quantities from external producers/suppliers. This looks good on paper, but the problem is that
Producers, through the use of laboratories, "managed to increase the amount of the active ingredient THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) in their plants from an average of between 4 percent and 9 percent to around 18 percent. Some strains have even reached 30 percent." (source: Der Spiegel). And these sophisticated producers have managed to introduce their products in the coffee-shops (even though it is illegal to buy from external sources). If you follow the provided link above, you will see that even though it is legal to sell cannabis in Holland, drug related crimes have not decreased.
Drug traffickers exist first because there are people who have a genetic pre-disposition to use drugs; and second because people push others to that abyss (through indifference, negligence, abandonment, despise, and more importantly through the lack of sense of community - because nowadays no one is capable of offering a meal, a smile or a hug to its neighbour's child).
Drugs, be it legal or illegal, are addictive, dangerous and they kill.
Illegal drugs will never end for there are several people involved (from all walks of life [social and political]).
About legal drugs, no one will ever make a serious effort to go after pharmaceutical companies, since they contribute to institutions we all profit from (hospitals, schools, sport complexes etc etc etc) and place people, that are favourable to them, in politics (i.e. drug companies finance and win elections).
This makes me come to a conclusion:
Drugs: illegal or legal, it doesn't matter cause either way we are stuck with them.
One could advocate going back to the basics (natural medicine) but how, when even nature is not nature any longer?
For a different perspective on this controversial theme, visit my co-Graffiter LS: Here
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Max:
ReplyDeleteIts certainly now secret that drugs come with a mixed blessing. On the one hand, we need then, they save lives. What would we do without drugs? But on the other hand, they can become insidious killers if allowed to fall into the wrong hands.
The question of drug use has plagued lawmakers for decades. How can we regulate drugs to ensure that we maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks? It's as tough a question as we'll ever see in our lifetimes. We may never know the answer.
I say, pay attention to the data. For instance, marijuana use has been shown through bonafied studies to not be habitual and leading to harder drugs use. Then why not legalize its use? I've never smoked the stuff myself. I hate smoking anything. But some people like it, so what's the big deal? In this case, the crime is in the law, not the streets. So it should be an easy fix. Set an age limits like we do with alcohol and cigarettes. No problem.
When it comes to harder substances, impose the maximum penalty for dealing and consuming. I have no sympathy for hard core druggies or pushers. Lock them away for good.
I like your idea about natural medicine. But obviously, natural medicine won't do when we have a serious ailment. We need modern medicine. Plus, how do you separate natural medicine from natural drugs? It gets right back to your original question.
Like you said, illegal, or legal, it doesn't matter cause either way we are stuck with them.
Happy trails.
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteAnother juicy topic. (rubbing hands together while delving in.)
We have to have some rules in society as a whole, otherwise there would be sheer chaos. If we legalized illicit drugs, then we are giving people carte blanche on how to ruin their lives - and the lives of their loved ones. (though manty already have.) Nothing about taking drugs is glamorous, fun, exciting or righteous. Drugs are bad - period.
"Producers, through the use of laboratories, "managed to increase the amount of the active ingredient THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) in their plants from an average of between 4 percent and 9 percent to around 18 percent. Some strains have even reached 30 percent."
This a valid point. Once something like this become legalized there are always people/factions that want to go one better; new strain that is better, stronger, faster to take effect, etc. They won't be happy with the status quo version.
"About legal drugs, no one will ever make a serious effort to go after pharmaceutical companies, since they contribute to institutions we all profit from (hospitals, schools, sport complexes etc etc etc) and place people, that are favourable to them, in politics (i.e. drug companies finance and win elections)."
Unfortunately it is true. Currently in this country they are helping to finance a health care plan where they stand to make Billion$. They have some of the most powerful lobbyists in the country.
"One could advocate going back to the basics (natural medicine) but how, when even nature is not nature any longer?"
Exactly. Well said. Even some herbs are extremely dangerous in high dosages.
Thanks for putting this issue on the table, hopefully just by doing so, it will give us something to think about.
"Just Say No" Cheers!
Hey Max! Came here as soon as I saw your comment. I'm not sure if it would work for damaged skin, I still have to try that. ;)
ReplyDeleteAll is fine with me, I hope everything's fine with you as well.
*hugs*
When I was young and innocent (a couple of years ago :D ) I used to think legalizing drugs was a smart idea. It's funny I thought that because I'm not into drugs myself. I'm no angel, I did try marijuana when I was in my late years of high school, but never got much pleasure out if it. I'm a control freak I guess :D
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I changed my mind now. I do think it's stupid to send plain user of cannabis to jail - I don't think they are criminals. To each his own basically and if one can drink freely at home, I think one should be allowed to smoke freely at home too.
I don't think there is an easy solution. I could see the state selling it, as a monopole (after all, this is the way alcohol in sold in most provinces in Canada!) but people will find a way around it, to get the stuff cheaper, better etc.
I read a really good about about that: "High Society" by Ben Elton. It tells the story of a conservative MP who want to be famous and advance his career, so he has the idea of proposing a bill legalizing all the drugs. It's quite funny and tongue in check.
Max,
ReplyDeleteGreat article, the contrasts in our posts is very interesting!
The illegal drugs are to say the least enormously unhealthy for the individual and for society in general.
I really like your supposition for why people use illegal drugs. However I would add to the list people lacking imagination (boredom etc), people flouting their freedom and our inclination towards evil. Plus perhaps a few other reasons…including people thinking drugs are not as harmful and addictive as they are plus inclinations towards gambling with their lives.
Although some harm can come from legal drugs by in far they are more helpful than not.
Hi Swubird,
ReplyDeleteALL of the illegal drugs are very addictive and unhealthy including cannabis. The body cannot be affected the way it is by them and not suffer damage.
Don’t we have enough problems with booze and cigarettes?
It’s bad enough that my lungs are invaded by second hand smoke from cigarettes I am also attacked by marijuana smoke while walking in the community etc.
Studies show that there are some people that will not partake of illegal drugs simply because the law bans them. Some people do respect the law. There are some laws that some people will always break however there are some laws that work over time….
Hi Alexys….
ReplyDeleteWhat am I supposed to say here?
I mean I agree with you….I like you gal but I like to disagree with you also…that way we can battle it out…but there is no battling it out…we agree…however I am sure you would disagree with my article on this topic
:)
Hey by the way have you seen any of my new blogs? Max has a link to one at the top of her center column…Art of the Kiss…(nice of her eh? Oh sorry Max, no your not nice, don’t want to wreck your reputation) maybe we could disagree there?
Hi Zhu,
ReplyDeleteHere in British Columbia we have non-government stores selling beer and wine and the government liquor stores selling beer, wine and everything else (all alcohol). How does it work in Ontario? Have you heard back East how bad the drug problem is out here?
Interesting thoughts and argument. Bottom line is prohibition does not work and it escalates that which it attempts prohibit. You raise some great questions in regards to government involvement and management however they already do this with alcohol and tobacco. Consider the difference it would make if we treated drug problem as a health issue rather than a criminal issue. This shift would indeed contribute to a positive change. You are correct, neither route will eliminate drugs, however legalization would change the perspective of many and it would change the dynamics of how drugs affect our society at large.
ReplyDeleteHi Swu :D!
ReplyDelete"Its certainly now secret that drugs come with a mixed blessing. On the one hand, we need then, they save lives. What would we do without drugs? But on the other hand, they can become insidious killers if allowed to fall into the wrong hands."
So true...there are some drugs that have helped saving many many lives. When they fall into the wrong hands they can be as damaging as illicit drugs *nodding*.
"The question of drug use has plagued lawmakers for decades. How can we regulate drugs to ensure that we maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks? It's as tough a question as we'll ever see in our lifetimes. We may never know the answer."
*nodding in agreement*...
"For instance, marijuana use has been shown through bonafied studies to not be habitual and leading to harder drugs use. Then why not legalize its use? I've never smoked the stuff myself. I hate smoking anything. But some people like it, so what's the big deal? In this case, the crime is in the law, not the streets. So it should be an easy fix. Set an age limits like we do with alcohol and cigarettes. No problem."
Studies change from country to country (based on lobbies' own agenda) - that's why I do not trust them. For example, here in Portugal a study revealed marijuana leads to harder drugs use. Which study is one to believe in?
I think that there are people who are genetically pre-disposed to consume drugs, so if those people begin to consume marijuana they may end up upgrading to harder drugs. Those who are not, may simply stick with cannabis. Now, should the government do genetic tests to everybody to see who can or not smoke cannabis? It's crazy...
"When it comes to harder substances, impose the maximum penalty for dealing and consuming. I have no sympathy for hard core druggies or pushers. Lock them away for good."
Hear, Hear!
"I like your idea about natural medicine. But obviously, natural medicine won't do when we have a serious ailment. We need modern medicine. Plus, how do you separate natural medicine from natural drugs? It gets right back to your original question."
We need both natural medicine and modern one. Independently, they can't solve everything; in a joint venture they may solve most cases.
Exactly; how?
Swu, thank you so much for this outstanding comment (I know it is not an easy theme) :D!
Cheers
Hi Lady A :D!
ReplyDelete"Another juicy topic. (rubbing hands together while delving in.)"
LOL...^5!
"We have to have some rules in society as a whole, otherwise there would be sheer chaos. If we legalized illicit drugs, then we are giving people carte blanche on how to ruin their lives - and the lives of their loved ones. (though manty already have.) Nothing about taking drugs is glamorous, fun, exciting or righteous. Drugs are bad - period."
I totally agree with you. Taking drugs is a violation of our temple (the body).
If people who take drugs would only ruin their own lives, I'd say...go ahead (it is your responsibility and freedom); but they ruin the lives of everybody around them; with what right? It is disrespectful.
"This a valid point. Once something like this become legalized there are always people/factions that want to go one better; new strain that is better, stronger, faster to take effect, etc. They won't be happy with the status quo version."
Exactly! People will always find new ways, loopholes etc...*nodding*
"Unfortunately it is true. Currently in this country they are helping to finance a health care plan where they stand to make Billion$. They have some of the most powerful lobbyists in the country."
I am guessing they do not want change, then (so that their $billion industry is safeguarded) *nodding*. Yes, they do, girl...
I call pharmaceuticals "the upgraded mafia" lol...
"Exactly. Well said. Even some herbs are extremely dangerous in high dosages."
^5! They are; and not everybody can take them (even in low dosages); the same way some people can't take prescribed drugs.
"Thanks for putting this issue on the table, hopefully just by doing so, it will give us something to think about."
Girl, you are welcome; but LS was the one who came up with this theme :D! I hope so too; there is still a lot to be discussed on this theme.
Lady A, thank you, thank you and thank you for your most valuable input :D!
Double "Just Say No" Cheers
Hi Liza :D!
ReplyDelete"Came here as soon as I saw your comment. I'm not sure if it would work for damaged skin, I still have to try that. ;)"
Thanks, darling! Ok, no problem...when you do, let me know - please :D!
"All is fine with me, I hope everything's fine with you as well."
That is great! Yes, everything is fine with me as well, thank you :D!
Thanks for having dropped by so promptly, my darling!
*hugs*
Hi Zhu :D!
ReplyDelete"When I was young and innocent (a couple of years ago :D ) I used to think legalizing drugs was a smart idea. It's funny I thought that because I'm not into drugs myself. I'm no angel, I did try marijuana when I was in my late years of high school, but never got much pleasure out if it. I'm a control freak I guess :D"
LOL as if you were old now LOL *nodding*. LOL so, you are a control freak, eh? Good to know LOL...
"Anyway, I changed my mind now. I do think it's stupid to send plain user of cannabis to jail - I don't think they are criminals. To each his own basically and if one can drink freely at home, I think one should be allowed to smoke freely at home too."
What made you change your mind? Indeed, chasing the user is not the solution...the dealer is the one that must be jailed.
"I don't think there is an easy solution. I could see the state selling it, as a monopole (after all, this is the way alcohol in sold in most provinces in Canada!) but people will find a way around it, to get the stuff cheaper, better etc."
There is not, you are right. The state could sell it (I think this happens in Switzerland, I am not 100% sure now) but, in some countries, some citizens wouldn't want it (if not the majority).
You are right again...people would find a way to go around the law.
"I read a really good about about that: "High Society" by Ben Elton. It tells the story of a conservative MP who want to be famous and advance his career, so he has the idea of proposing a bill legalizing all the drugs. It's quite funny and tongue in check."
LOL LOL I can't imagine that...but I wonder if it would work in "real life"?
Zhu, thank you ever so much for your contribution (and for sharing your personal experience with us) :D!
Cheers
Hey LSus :D!
ReplyDelete"Great article, the contrasts in our posts is very interesting!"
Thank you, my co-gladiator *bowing*!
Yes, I also found it extremely interesting.
"The illegal drugs are to say the least enormously unhealthy for the individual and for society in general."
I must agree with you on this one *nodding*. The negative impact it has on the consumers and their families and friends, is heartbreaking.
"I really like your supposition for why people use illegal drugs. However I would add to the list people lacking imagination (boredom etc), people flouting their freedom and our inclination towards evil. Plus perhaps a few other reasons…including people thinking drugs are not as harmful and addictive as they are plus inclinations towards gambling with their lives."
This is not my only supposition for why people use illegal drugs (as you can see in your blog). I also agree with the reasons you presented here: you are not far from the truth *nodding*.
"Although some harm can come from legal drugs by in far they are more helpful than not."
It depends on how people use legal drugs (but at least there is control to how they are produced, which ingredients are used etc. Whereas illegal drugs, since they are not under control, contain anything including cleaning products [can you believe it?]).
LS, thank you so much for your awesome comment (this time we didn't disagree much...are we sick lol?) :D!
Cheers
Hey Mark :D!
ReplyDelete"Interesting thoughts and argument."
Thank you *bowing*.
"Bottom line is prohibition does not work and it escalates that which it attempts prohibit."
Also true.
"You raise some great questions in regards to government involvement and management however they already do this with alcohol and tobacco."
But Mark, tobacco does not provoke the same brain decay that other drugs do (for example: tobacco does not alter one's humour, perceptions, cognitive reactions etc; whereas illicit drugs do [these can even lead people to kill, to sell their bodies, to humiliate themselves). Alcohol, on the other hand, is as dangerous as drugs but the ingredients with which alcoholic drinks are produced do not include bleach, ammonia, acetone etc...see the difference?
"Consider the difference it would make if we treated drug problem as a health issue rather than a criminal issue. This shift would indeed contribute to a positive change. You are correct, neither route will eliminate drugs, however legalization would change the perspective of many and it would change the dynamics of how drugs affect our society at large."
It is a health issue indeed, but it is also a criminal issue (this cannot be denied) simply due to the intent behind the production of these illegal drugs (and the crimes related to them).
So, I am not sure legalising drugs would change many people's perspectives; and the dynamics of how they affect our society (people always find loopholes in the law to commit further crimes).
Mark, outstanding comment: thank you so much :D!
Cheers
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteThe use of illegal drugs is one of freedom's prerogative which should be revoked, for its consumption ruins not only the abuser but it also stigmatises families and shakes the community's foundation for everyone becomes uneasy. Thus, drug legalization would become dangerous.
The law has got to be tougher, just like in certain Asian countries (i.e. Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam etc).
Some would argue that people would start using the legal one: they have got a point. However the plague would be controlled because doctors and alikes would face justice.
As for drug companies, the people have the right to demand for tighter regulation.
Unfortunately, as you well stated "We're stuck with it either way" because we keep electing politicians whose business is to close their eyes to corruption for either they, or the party, benefit from crime.
Max, as always: an exciting article!
Ciao Max,
ReplyDeleteDrugs: legal or illegal are a nightmare for both kinds are lethal.
The dream says: let's eradicate drugs altogether!
Reality says: let's regulate more on pharmaceutical companies!
Utopia says: let's teach our children to stay away from illegal drugs; how to recognise and avoid drug peddlers.
Contemplation says: make the law more strict i.e. death penalty (24 hours after incarceration) for the pusher.
Hi C.C :D!
ReplyDelete"The use of illegal drugs is one of freedom's prerogative which should be revoked, for its consumption ruins not only the abuser but it also stigmatises families and shakes the community's foundation for everyone becomes uneasy. Thus, drug legalization would become dangerous."
lol "freedom's prerogative which should be revoked"? This was a good one (specially because I believe that freedom is not all that free; thus I could agree with this sentence).
You are right, and so I agree with you.
"The law has got to be tougher, just like in certain Asian countries (i.e. Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam etc).
Some would argue that people would start using the legal one: they have got a point. However the plague would be controlled because doctors and alikes would face justice."
Although in those countries injustices are done sometimes.
Indeed, not to mention the fact that the production of the legal ones is controlled (they do not contain chimical agents such as bleach or acetone just like the illegal drugs).
"As for drug companies, the people have the right to demand for tighter regulation."
*nodding in utter agreement*....
"Max, as always: an exciting article!"
Thank you so much *bowing*!
Circulus Ciceronis, thank you a million times for your fantastic input (I loved it) :D!
Cheers
Hi Dux :D!
ReplyDelete"Drugs: legal or illegal are a nightmare for both kinds are lethal."
True.
"Contemplation says: make the law more strict i.e. death penalty (24 hours after incarceration) for the pusher."
Whoa...radical! I understand this argument though; however, I still defend that even these criminals must be tried before being thrown into the death-row.
Dux, I loved your comment (I loved it) for which I thank you ever so much :D!
Cheers
LS,
ReplyDeleteThis part nearly escaped me...
"(nice of her eh? Oh sorry Max, no your not nice, don’t want to wreck your reputation)"
LOL LOL LOL LOL very funny, LSus...
*nodding*...my reputation has been smeared for good LOL LOL
Interesting thoughts. I have wondered about this topic often because we spend so much money on enforcement and our prisons are so crowded but I understand more after reading your post.
ReplyDeleteI believe in natural medicine and I've used it for years but drugs do play a necessary role in medical problems.
Hi MW :D!
ReplyDelete"Interesting thoughts. I have wondered about this topic often because we spend so much money on enforcement and our prisons are so crowded but I understand more after reading your post."
Thank you *bowing*! It is the same here (our prisons are also overcrowded because of drug issues)...*nodding*.
"I believe in natural medicine and I've used it for years but drugs do play a necessary role in medical problems."
I agree with you. You know, I defend a balance between natural medicine and the modern one (I believe the two combined can solve much more cases than independently).
MW, thank you so much for your input :D!
Have a blessed weekend!
Cheers
Hey Max, super post!
ReplyDeleteDo we really want to open pandoras box and legalize what we now classify illegal drugs?
Lets face it the Government will be the main benefactor with them getting a huge amount of money in taxes and they will be determining what is going to be legalized and what isn't, how will they come up with the list? what will be the guidelines?
The government may help as far as regulations but really you will always have lots of illegal drugs that will never make the list, so the crime factor won't be going down, plus once something is legal it's no fun anymore to use, so the kids might go on to something they figure is more exciting and risky. like something illegal, hence even more dangerous, hey I used to be a kid and I work around them now, I know how they think.
Great post Max, hope you're having a great weekend.
Hi! Our health care systems and family units are already overburdened catering to the users of illicit drugs, so why would want to make it legally available? It would only make things worse by increasing the number of so-called victims.
ReplyDeleteCan’t they see by making it freely available they are condemning not only our present population but the youth of tomorrow as well.
One point to consider is this. A great many users who have no where to turn to but to drugs to escape their destitute position and who prostitute themselves for the sake of a high, commonly turn to acts of violence and theft, their only means of support, to keep their habit.
So do you expect them to all of a sudden, to get up and get a job, give up their benefits and turn away from breaking the law in order to buy drugs without fear. Not likely!
They're trapped within a cycle they can’t get out of on their own. By making illegal drugs legal is only giving up on them.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Max, this is one of the most difficult issues to deal with in modern societys, i think, since its development has history base in vicious and dependency wich are probably the most emotional and physical nahive inner structures that human have. So, this leads us to the point (in extremis) that, as many other things are being played in society, it represents a failure or deviation of its main purpose that it suppose to be used to heal or treat or simply "amuse" without damage!!! Yet some economys depend on that... but dont we all are depending on something that constrains us simultaneously emotionaly and physicaly besides these drugs??? my opinion is that these one, are commonly society accepted... (even could have also what drug dealing has...killings, dependency, etc etc). Since general societys dont accpet drugs because the control has an hudge cost, the problem will remain for many years.
ReplyDeletesalutti
G
Here in British Columbia we have non-government stores selling beer and wine and the government liquor stores selling beer, wine and everything else (all alcohol). How does it work in Ontario? Have you heard back East how bad the drug problem is out here?
ReplyDeleteHi Livingsword,
Sorry for the late reply!
In Ontario, the sale of alcohol is a province monopoly. You can only buy alcohol at the LCBO (Liquor Bureau of Ontario) or the Beer Store, nowhere else.
In Quebec, you can buy from the SAQ but also from supermarkets I think.
I didn't hear much about the drug problem actually. I read in the paper grow-ups being busted in Ontario or Quebec, and some Hell Angels groups being arrested... once in a while. That's about it.
I feel totally out of touch and I must admit I haven't seen drugs other than the odd pot smoked at some concerts since I have been there!
Hi Bob :D!
ReplyDelete"Hey Max, super post!"
Thanks, man *bowing*!
"Do we really want to open pandoras box and legalize what we now classify illegal drugs?"
That is an excellent question...
"Lets face it the Government will be the main benefactor with them getting a huge amount of money in taxes and they will be determining what is going to be legalized and what isn't, how will they come up with the list? what will be the guidelines?"
Exactly!! Whatever they'd decide would only create a black market for the illegal drugs (that wouldn't be on the governmental list).
"The government may help as far as regulations but really you will always have lots of illegal drugs that will never make the list, so the crime factor won't be going down, plus once something is legal it's no fun anymore to use, so the kids might go on to something they figure is more exciting and risky. like something illegal, hence even more dangerous, hey I used to be a kid and I work around them now, I know how they think."
I definitely hear you!!
"Great post Max, hope you're having a great weekend."
Thanks, Bob :D! I did have a great weekend, thanks :)! I hope you had one too!
Great comment, Bob....thank you ever so much for this delight :D!
Cheers
Hi Peter :D!
ReplyDelete"Our health care systems and family units are already overburdened catering to the users of illicit drugs, so why would want to make it legally available? It would only make things worse by increasing the number of so-called victims."
You said it all now: "so-called victims" because they are not victims (in my opinion), they choose to consume drugs so the victims are their families and friends, really.
"Can’t they see by making it freely available they are condemning not only our present population but the youth of tomorrow as well."
*nodding in agreement*...
"One point to consider is this. A great many users who have no where to turn to but to drugs to escape their destitute position and who prostitute themselves for the sake of a high, commonly turn to acts of violence and theft, their only means of support, to keep their habit."
Exactly! This is an excellent point, Pete!! Well said.
"They're trapped within a cycle they can’t get out of on their own. By making illegal drugs legal is only giving up on them."
Beautiful!
Peter, you are spoiling me with your thoughts: thank you so much :D!
Cheers
Hey G :D!
ReplyDelete"Hi Max, this is one of the most difficult issues to deal with in modern societys, i think, since its development has history base in vicious and dependency wich are probably the most emotional and physical nahive inner structures that human have."
I hear you, man.
"So, this leads us to the point (in extremis) that, as many other things are being played in society, it represents a failure or deviation of its main purpose that it suppose to be used to heal or treat or simply "amuse" without damage!!! Yet some economys depend on that... "
That is a good point...
"but dont we all are depending on something that constrains us simultaneously emotionaly and physicaly besides these drugs???"
You know it! Be it religion, spiritual philosophies, relationships, literature etc. However, are these as lethal as legal and illegal drugs? No, not really. Can they be as dangerous as drugs (when taken to the extreme)? Well, fanatism of any sort can be dangerous indeed.
"my opinion is that these one, are commonly society accepted... (even could have also what drug dealing has...killings, dependency, etc etc). Since general societys dont accpet drugs because the control has an hudge cost, the problem will remain for many years."
I hear you, man.
G, grazie mille for this outstanding comment (you have brought some utter interesting points) :D!
Saluti
Dear Max, don't talk to me about drugs, lol, my parents sometimes like to eat it like a chewing gum. I always tell them be careful, it is addictive and 'how in the world does drug know that you have a headache', it does affect other organs too. Oh well sometimes they listen, and sometimes they don't.
ReplyDeleteMax another great post with LS. Excellent points, just wish that governments didn't give so much freedom and support to the pharamceutical companies, but then its good for economy, what they care!
Take care my dear for now, and me 'moving on', lol.
Anna :)
Hi Anna :D!
ReplyDelete"Dear Max, don't talk to me about drugs, lol, my parents sometimes like to eat it like a chewing gum."
lol I can relate - I also have some relatives that like to eat them like sweets *nodding*.
"I always tell them be careful, it is addictive and 'how in the world does drug know that you have a headache', it does affect other organs too. Oh well sometimes they listen, and sometimes they don't."
I hear you!! lol you know how elders are like: they always think that we know nothing.
"Max another great post with LS. Excellent points, just wish that governments didn't give so much freedom and support to the pharamceutical companies, but then its good for economy, what they care!"
LS and I thank you *bowing*! I'm with you on this one, girl!
"Take care my dear for now, and me 'moving on', lol."
lol take care, darling!
Anna, my adorable friend, thank you so much for your input :D!
Cheers