Legalising Cannabis? The director's view

Legalising Cannabis? The director's view

In two articles I recently came across, the reasons for legalising Cannabis was based on the listed points of view. I have deliberately refrained from giving the other side’s point of view as to allow the reader to come to his/her own conclusions. It must be added that there are more arguments for (and against) the legalisation of Cannabis, but these will be explored in the next issue of the Newsletter.

1. The drug generally isn't more harmful than alcohol or tobacco if used in moderation.

2. Limiting the use of the drug intrudes on personal freedom.

3. Legalization would mean a lower price; thus, related crimes (like theft) would be reduced.

4. There are medical benefits such as those for cancer patients.

5. Street justice related to drug disputes would be reduced.

6. It could be a source of additional tax revenues.

7. Police and court resources would be freed up for more serious crimes.

8. Drug dealers (including some terrorists) would lose most or all of their business.

9. The FDA or others could regulate the quality and safety of drugs.

10. Like sex, alcohol, or cigarettes, marijuana is one of life's little pleasures for some people.

11. Aside from recreational drug use, Cannabis has several industrial and commercial uses, as over 25,000 products can be made from the crop.

12. Drug busts often trap young people in a flawed system that turns them into lifelong criminals.

The second article made use of the following arguments:

1. “Marijuana is safe and non-addictive.”

2. “Marijuana prohibition makes no more sense than alcohol prohibition did in the early 1900s.”

3. “The government’s efforts to combat illegal drugs have been a total failure.”

4. “The money spent on government efforts to combat the illegal drug trade can be better spent on substance abuse and treatment for the allegedly few marijuana users who abuse the drug.”

5. “Tax revenue collected from marijuana sales would substantially outweigh the social costs of legalization.”

The above arguments are intensely debated and the drive to legalise Cannabis in South Africa is gaining momentum. If you were asked to give an opinion, what arguments would you be using?                     

  G.H.J. Kruger